New project guides young men towards positive development

An organisation dedicated to the development and support of boys and men has launched an initiative to help young males build positive identities and become productive members of society. I. D. E. A. S. for Boys and Men, which has been in operation for a year and a half, officially launched the Raising Sons Building A Nation Project. The initiative focuses on underserved boys between the ages of 11 and 16, providing mentorship, psychosocial assistance and opportunities for positive development. Project Coordinator Kevin Mathurin said the organisation was established in response to concerns about the development of young men in Saint Lucia and the wider region. Kevin Mathurin (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) “The organisation [wants to] build a bridge between the schools… and the homes to develop young men,” Mathurin stated.

He explained that the organisation was founded by a group of young men who believe they have a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities and country. I. D. E. A. S. has three interventions, including the Father Resource Centre, which works with fathers to strengthen their involvement in the lives of their children. The centre also helps fathers navigate legal processes once they have taken on their duty of care. Mathurin said the initiative recognises the important role fathers can play in the lives of children, particularly boys, and seeks to help men become more involved in their upbringing. 1 of 5 (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) (Photo credit: Josiah St Luce / St Lucia Times) The Raising Sons Building A Nation Project is the organisation’s current focus.…