THREE TYPES OF FRIENDS: A METAPHORICAL REFLECTION

As you navigate life, you will encounter different kinds of friends. Metaphorically speaking, I would categorise them into three groups:

1. Those who will STAND with you. These are friends who remain present during difficult moments. They offer support, solidarity and encouragement when life becomes challenging.

2. Those who will SIT with you. These are friends who enjoy your company, share conversations and experiences, and are comfortable being around you. They make the journey enjoyable.

3. Those who will RUN with you the EXTRA MILE. These are friends who go beyond being present. They challenge you, push you towards growth, open your mind to new possibilities and encourage you to become a better version of yourself.

There is nothing wrong with having all three categories in your life. However, learn to recognise the difference and appreciate what each brings into your journey.

MY FINAL THOUGHT

Life isn't a competition to impress people. It is a journey of becoming, contributing and leaving something meaningful behind.

Don't spend your productive years trying to prove that you are living when you should be building a life worth living.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) shouldn't determine your priorities. YOLO (You Only Live Once) shouldn't excuse your irresponsibility. And your circle of friends shouldn't compromise your values.

Do More. Be More. Be Different.

Wilson Masaka
Youth Advocate | Social Entrepreneur

#SelfMadePhilosophy #SelfMadeSeries #LifeLessons #FOMO #YOLO #PersonalDevelopment

SELF MADE PHILOSOPHY | A GENERATIONAL REFLECTION

FOMO, YOLO AND THE COMPANY WE KEEP

Growing up, my aspirations were simple: work hard, get good grades, secure a well-paying job and help my family break out of poverty.

Looking back, I am grateful for the role I have played so far in contributing towards that aspiration. It has been a journey of learning, growth and personal responsibility, and the journey continues.

However, there is a conversation we need to be alive to: the changing aspirations, social influences and economic realities of today's generation.

From my observation, many young people are increasingly preoccupied with two philosophies: FOMO and YOLO.

1. FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out

This is the rat race of comparison, competition and negative peer pressure.

Who has the latest smartphone? Who is wearing the latest fashion? Who has travelled to which destination? Who hangs out with whom?

Life becomes a competition of appearances, where the mission is to save so that you can spend, and spend so that you can show off.

Unfortunately, in this race to keep up with trends and social expectations, some important priorities, such as personal development, financial responsibility and helping their families, are pushed further down the to-do list.

The danger is when owning an expensive gadget becomes more important than owning your future, or when the need to impress friends becomes greater than the desire to create meaningful progress in life.

2. YOLO – You Only Live Once

This philosophy encourages people to live for today, enjoy the moment and worry less about tomorrow.

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying life, the problem comes when YOLO becomes an excuse for irresponsibility, poor decisions and a lack of long-term thinking.

Tomorrow may not be guaranteed, but that doesn't mean tomorrow shouldn't be planned for.

One important lesson we must understand is that you only live once, but you live every day, and every decision you make contributes to the life you are building.

Enjoy today, but don't mortgage your tomorrow for today's temporary satisfaction.

PARENT AND GUARDIAN ENGAGEMENT | FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

 SEMI ZA MAJA | FOOTBALL MADE ME SERIES

The missing link in grassroots football development,  Parental involvement.

After more than 25 years of engagement in grassroots football development, one of the gaps we have identified at Wilsen Initiative (Wi), particularly in informal settlements, is the limited involvement of parents and guardians in their children's football development, especially at the younger U10 - U16 age groups.

We often encounter situations where parents and guardians are not actively following their children's football journey. They may have little knowledge of where their children train, the teams they play for, their coaches or even the talent and potential they possess.

On the other hand, grassroots coaches engage with and guide these children without necessarily having an organised working relationship or clear communication arrangements with their parents and guardians.

The absence of parents is often loud!

You see it in the lack of basic football equipment, limited attendance at training sessions and matches, and minimal follow-up on children's progress.

The reality is that many children have incredible football potential, but their parents may not even be aware of it.

THE SOLUTION | WHAT WE WANT TO DO

Through our flagship Football Made Me Series, Wilsen Initiative seeks to support grassroots teams and clubs, particularly those working with U10–U16 players, to establish continuous and structured parent and guardian engagement programmes.

Our approach is to:

1. Facilitate regular parents' and guardians' meetings.

2. Train and equip grassroots coaches with skills to engage parents effectively.

3. Encourage shared responsibility between coaches, parents and clubs in supporting player development.

4. Connect young players with mentors who can guide, inspire and expose them to new opportunities.

5. Build a supportive environment where parents become active stakeholders in their children's football journey.

Our role is to facilitate, educate, connect and help grassroots teams establish structures that can continue beyond our direct involvement.

📸 IN PICTURE: 1st November 2026 : Mathare North Rangers F.C. Parent and Guardians Meeting held at Drive Inn Primary School.