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Aim
For each boy to develop an understanding of their personal identity, purpose and direction for their life.
Objectives
Equip boys to:
- Identify themselves as valuable with much to contribute.
- Build confidence, self-awareness and courage.
- Develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Understand they are able to have a positive influence in their world.
- Identify personal desires to motivate them to set and achieve personal goals.
These message objectives are achieved through three foundational concepts:
Significance, Resiliance & Courage.
Foundational Concepts
SIGNIFICANCE – Body and soul I am wonderfully made
The focus for these sessions is for each boy to understand for themselves that they are valuable, unique and one-of-a-kind. Personal identity is formed through embracing who you are and realising the potential within.
RESILIENCE – Choose life
These sessions explore the power of choice and the power that decisions have on shaping a person’s future. This is addressed through practical sessions exploring resilience, respect, emotions, decision-making, and problem-solving.
COURAGE – I have a hope and a future
Being courageous is examined through exploring personal hopes, dreams and desires, attitudes
towards relationships and risk-taking behaviours. Goal setting, group discussions, and practical activities are used to explore these topics.
Methodologies
The methodologies used include active participation and discussion forums. Therefore, such methods have been found to assist with social confidence, how to work with peers in a team or towards a goal, how to speak up for themselves and to learn how to express emotions in a healthy manner.
Methods to facilitate learning include:
- Visual – videos, charts, whiteboards, notes
- Auditory – discussions, interviews, music, personal stories, short teaching sessions, audios
- Kinaesthetic – role plays, physical activity, small group work, whole group work
Interaction and contribution by participants promotes understanding and empowers people to move forward, using skills learnt within the group.
Key Outcomes
The boys have achieved learning and motivational outcomes that form the foundation of the ultimate goal – a greater level of understanding about their personal identity, purpose and direction for their life.
These outcomes include:
- Developed holistic personal and problem-solving skills.
- Improved confidence and understanding of intrinsic value.
- Enhanced social support networks.
- Increased self-awareness.
Strenght-Based Approach
Strength focuses on addressing the strengths and skills boys possess rather than their weaknesses or deficits. All people have strengths but many are unrecognised and unused by the individual. The strengths-based approach inspires boys to grow and change by using their strengths as a personal
resource. As people become engaged through experiential and interactive activities, boys can begin to discover their inner strength, skills, personal identity, and qualities.
Strength encourages boys to become the expert within their own life. They are the ones who can tap into their own potential and discover their personal identity and worth. Ultimately the process of discovering and understanding ‘the self’ always comes from within the boys’ own perspective. The facilitator is there to draw out the best from each young man and to be a guide in the process.