Targeted interventions to address gaps in social support extended to young Saint Lucian males formed part of the recently launched ‘Save Our Boys’ project.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Minister for Education Shawn Edward highlighted the importance of presenting young males with opportunities to unlock their potential.
“Our young males are extremely vulnerable and it is too easy for them to fall prey to the ills of society. By investing in their future, we are not only helping them as individuals but also strengthening the fabric of our society. Any project – whether it is spearheaded by the Ministry of Education or any other agency of government that can accentuate the plight of the young male in society I stand ready to provide support,” Edward said.
Implemented by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), the project will provide training and support to 120 males between the ages of 13 and 18 years.
The venture is structured to invite increased male participation in mentorship initiatives.
Reflecting on the value of positive male influences, the Education Minister said an increase in male role models is needed across all sectors including the education system.
Presently 21.6% of Saint Lucia’s teachers are male -structuring initiatives to meet the needs of young men remains paramount, Edward said.
“I want to let you know that the Government of Saint Lucia cares. We are spending quite a bit of money to ensure that we can point you in the direction you need to become productive citizens. We don’t put a dollar value on your development; we don’t put a dollar value on the amount of training that you would need,” Edward told beneficiaries, noting that “what we want more than anything else is that you will grow up and become useful in society. By so doing Saint Lucia will be a much better place.”
Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment Joachim Henry encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the project and strive for excellence.
“For some reason or the other (you may have) had something,” that prevented “you from doing well at secondary school… all of the stories that affect so many of us in society,” Henry told the young men, adding that “it doesn’t prevent us from making this contribution.”
The ‘Save our Boys’ project is aimed at supporting young men “from economically deprived households who are at risk of dropping out of secondary school and engaging in deviant behaviour,” a spokesperson said.
Further, the spokesperson noted, “our mission is clear: to address personal and family concerns by offering a range of psychoeducational activities that cover decision making, emotional intelligence, life skills, mentorship, anger management and behaviour modification.”
Funding for the project is provided by the Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) under the Field Support Service Project which is subsidized by the Government of Canada.