Enhance Positive Potential among Adolescent boys

The goal of the project is to break the misguided traits of manhood and create a generation of men who are emotionally, socially and economically strong. The objective of the project is to address many of the emerging social issues facing boys and challenge young men to become better individuals in all facets of life and provide tools, resources and examples that will help expose them to new things and foster a well-rounded mindset. This project provides a support network as positive role models and deliver education for violence prevention also Improve sense of self, personal confidence and individual resilience in the lives of adolescent boys. It is projected that this conference will educate adolescent boys on key gender roles as well as helps them develop key social and decision-making skills. It is envisaged that this program will expose young males to positive role models and progressive lifestyles, which will inspire these young males to remain in school, set positive goals for their adult lives and build a strong relationship with God/Allah. This project will also create networking opportunities between positive local citizens with adolescent boys throughout the conference to promote healthy mental, physical and social behaviours.

SUMMARY

In Africa and in Sierra Leone to be specific the concept of manhood is deep-seated from an early age. Boys may be socialized into gender roles and responsibilities premeditated to keep men in authority and in control. Many are accustomed to believe that dominant behavior towards girls and women is part of being a man.

XXXXX and its partners are convinced that if boys are encouraged to reflect upon and discuss issues surrounding masculinity, relationships and sexuality, it can help them to end high-risk and sometimes harmful attitudes and behaviors.

SITUATION ANAYLSIS

In Sierra Leone, risk-taking and violent sexual behavior on the part of adolescent boys are often applauded by peers and overlooked by society on some level. These stereotypes result in harm to both women and girls, and erode possibilities of establishing satisfying, mutually respectful relationships. It is on this backdrop that the XXXXXX and its partners have developed a one-day mentoring conference for adolescent boys because when they are empowered, they will become future partners, community members or leaders and in reaching them with programmes that promote gender-equitable attitudes will be key to ensuring the future is free of gender-based discrimination

PURPOSE

XXXX and its Partners are aware that women’s movement and the young women’s movement must continue to lead the movement for gender equality; however, there is also the need to engage adolescent boys in order to achieve gender equality.

During adolescence and young adulthood, there is a critical period of opportunity to engage adolescent boys in understanding why gender equality is good for everyone and recognizing their role in promoting the empowerment of girls and young women. By using and sharing their power and privilege, boys have the ability to shift the dominant norms and ideas about gender and masculinity, and challenge the patriarchal beliefs, practices, institutions and structures that drive inequality between boys and girls.

GOAL

The goal of the is to break the misguided traits of manhood and create a generation of men who are emotionally, socially and economically strong.

OBJECTIVE

- To address many of the emerging social issues facing boys and challenge young men to become better individuals in all facets of life
- To provide tools, resources and examples that will help expose them to new things and foster a well-rounded mindset
- To provide a support network as positive role models and deliver education for violence prevention
- To Improve sense of self, personal confidence and individual resilience in the lives of adolescent boys
- To help adolescents’ boys enhance their positive potential in all aspects of life and recognize the outcomes of the choices they make.

TARGET BENEFECIARIES

Ten boys each will be selected from ten junior and secondary school in Freetown that are within the adolescent age gap. Five Secondary School will be selected from the XXXXXX. For the March pass, it would be mentors and mentees, which would comprise of Men and boys, women and girls to popularize the essence of mentoring

APPROACH

Mentoring March: Those at the XXXX will start from XXXX and those at the west end will start from Congo cross and all will converge at the Sierra Leone Amusement Park where speeches will be made by key stakeholders on the importance of mentoring and how to involve boys and men in responding to gender based violence.

Conference: Facilitators will make their presentations on various topics and each topic of discussion will have a full menu of questions, activities, and exercises to stimulate adolescent boys into fun and meaningful sharing.

Topics:

- Sexual and Gender Based Violence
  - Sexual and Physical abuse
  - Bullying
- Healthy Masculinity
  - Personal Hygiene
  - Emotion Intelligence
  - Drugs & Alcohol
  - Mental Health
- Gender Stereotype
  - Gender Roles & Responsibilities
  - HeForShe Campaign
  - Hands off our girl’s campaign
  - Community Service, Leadership and Mentoring
- Corruption & Integrity
  - Personal Discipline
  - Positive Behavior

EXPECTED OUTCOME

- It is projected that this conference will educate adolescent boys on key gender roles as well as helps them develop key social and decision-making skills.
- It is envisaged that this program will expose young males to positive role models and progressive lifestyles, which will inspire these young males to remain in school, set positive goals for their adult lives and build a strong relationship with God/Allah
- This program will address social issues such as gender roles, corruption, health etc. that will impact a young person’s decision-making process and expose participants to career, cultural, and educational opportunities
- It will also create networking opportunities between positive local citizens with adolescent boys throughout the conference to promote healthy mental, physical and social behaviors

EVALUATION

During the conference, an evaluation form will be given to individual boys to do an assessment on each of the topics presented for grading. This is to have a clear view on the level of understanding of each topic discussed

SUSTAINABILITY

At the end of the conference, groups will be formed and each group will be responsible to share what they have learnt with their respective schools during assembly. Letters will be sent to their principles for them to provide the space and regular follow up will be done.