By: Bahamas Information Services
The relaunch of the ‘Reclaiming Our Boys Mentoring Project’ at Bahamas Harvest Church (Monday, November 17), is a national commitment to shaping a brighter future in-country, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Mrs. Phedra Rahming-Turnquest said during her Opening Address.
Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest also labelled the relaunch, a “movement” that will provide every male in-country who is willing to “stand in the gap” for young men and boys throughout The Bahamas, with the opportunity to do so.
“This movement needs all of us, but particularly the males — fathers, grandfathers, uncles, coaches, teachers, pastors, neighbours, and every man who is willing to stand in the gap for all of our young men throughout The Bahamas. If ever there was a time to rise, the time is now. Stand up, step in, show up.
“Today we stand with one voice and with one mission; to reclaim our boys across our communities. To our boys, hear us clearly. Your future is bright, your purpose is real, and your destiny is calling. And we, your families, your communities, your ministry, and your nation, are standing firmly behind you.
“Together we will raise a generation of men who will lead with integrity, who will protect with strength, who will serve with compassion, and who will build with vision. Together we will reclaim our boys and in doing so, we will reclaim our future.
“May this relaunch ignite a movement that transforms homes, strengthens communities, and reshapes our nation for generations to come,” Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest added.
A collaboration between the Ministry, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, its Men’s Desk and social and corporate partners and stakeholders, the Mentorship Project is designed to provide spiritual guidance, develop leadership skills, vocational upskilling, and build confidence while promoting self-control among other expected outcomes.
“We see our young boys searching, searching for direction, for identity, for belonging, many growing up without consistent guidance, without strong male figures, and without the safe spaces they need to become who they were destined to be, whom God has called them to be,” Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest said.
“This programme will build strong character and work ethic. Teach financial literacy and independence, offer trade skills, leadership development and community development, all while preparing our boys to become strong leaders, responsible fathers, and honourable husbands one day.
“It will provide safe spaces for guidance, mentorship, support and healing. This is just not another Programme. It is a prevention plan, a restoration model, and a national commitment to shaping a brighter future.”
Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest said when guidance is missing, confusion steps in. That when love and affirmation are absent, the streets step in and fill that gap.
“Today we say with conviction, that your story will not end here, greater is coming for you. Believe us with that.”
She said the ‘Reclaiming Our Boys Mentoring Programme’ is just one of the areas of focus outlined in the Ministry’s Strategic Plan to address gender-based violence, a document that was prepared by the National Task Force on Gender-based Violence.
Project objectives are to develop wholesome males who will contribute to the transformation of the nation by helping to build healthy families, to develop greater father/son relationships, and to encourage even greater male leadership in homes and communities across the country.
Its goals are to help boys/young men develop good work ethic, and accountability while encouraging entrepreneurial skills; to help them develop community involvement, trade skills and to pursue professional careers; to provide a safe environment for support, care and counselling; to provide them with the tools to be strong leaders, responsible fathers, and great husbands, and to help them develop independence, promote economic growth and financial literacy and independence in order to live sustainable lives.
This is anticipated to happen through the facilitation of seminars, mentorship programmes, and workshops, among other initiatives.
“Our vision is clear, to mentor our boys, restore their identity, reclaim their hearts and equip them to become confident, responsible and productive men. We will give them what every boy deserves, identity, purpose, direction, discipline, opportunity and love. We will speak into their lives, words that many of them have never heard: ‘You are seen; you are heard; you are valued. Greater is in you; you belong; you are destined for greatness,’” Mrs. Rahming-Turnquest told her audience that was filled with boys and young men from across sectors.
“To the Bahamian people, I charge you today. We cannot do this alone.
“Let today be the moment The Bahamas refuses to lose another boy; let today be the moment we draw a line in the proverbial sand and boldly declare ‘not one more life wasted, not one more dream abandoned, not one more boy left behind.’”
(BIS Photos/Mark Ford)
The post Relaunch Of Boys Mentorship Project Is A National Commitment To Shaping A Brighter Future appeared first on ZNS BAHAMAS.
