On March 1st, 2024, the Support for Education, Empowerment, and Development (SEED) centre hosted a collaborative initiative between Massy Stores Ltd, St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC), and the SSDF aimed at engaging community educators and potential mentors in preparing young men for adulthood and the workforce.
Reynel Stephen, the Coordinator of the Our Boys Matter Programme, highlighted the significance of bridging the gap between academic education and real-world readiness for boys during their formative years.
"In years past, we have done retreats for students in form five and have realized that although these students are getting ready for the world of work, they know little about preparing for what is happening in their surroundings. Hence, emphasis is placed on planning this programme to ensure that the boys benefit from it,” Stephen said.
The programme aimed to benefit over 100 of the most vulnerable, marginalized, and indigent boys, ranging from forms one to four, across eleven secondary schools in the north, the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education (CARE), and one secondary school in the south of the island.
John Victorin, the Executive Director of the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), discussed life choices for individuals transitioning from Form 5.
Said Victorin, "In reality, many of us end up in form 5, and we do not have a clue as to our next step in life, and the winds of life simply blow us in one particular direction or the other. Now, one cannot leave something as valuable as life to chance, so if you do not assess yourself and make solid decisions, your friend will determine where you end up."
Devante Serieux, a Form 4 participant from the Vieux Fort A-Level, shared his experience.
"As a Form 4 student, I was invited to join the programme. I benefited immensely since the aim was to develop young men holistically. As part of the programme, we had periodic school visits from the programme facilitator to get updates on our progress at school and inquire about any personal challenges. Furthermore, the exposure to guidance presentations has contributed to my personal growth."
For increased impact, the Our Boys Matter programme has expanded its reach by adopting a holistic approach that extends support to other family members within participants' households. To date, the programme has successfully enrolled 105 students across the island.