The Sandals Foundation has partnered with the Boys to Men Organization for the Rites of Passage: Boys to Men initiative, dedicated to positively shaping the lives of young men and boys through mentorship.

The initiative, which provides 8 weeks of engagement through sports, teamwork, and guided conversation, seeks to address the unique challenges faced by boys in the Caribbean. By honing conflict-resolution skills, fostering and healthy relationships, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only aware of their potential but are also committed to uplifting their peers and communities.

“The Rites of Passage: Boys to Men initiative provides a supportive environment for the development of essential life skills, self-confidence, and a stronger sense of community,” says Program Director, Daniel Jeffers. “Through engaging workshops, mentorship programs, and interactive activities, the men and boys will learn from positive role models and gain valuable insights into the importance of personal development and nation building.”

On Saturday, November 1, the first cohort of 25 men and boys met at the Beausejour Sports Academy kick starting the programme that will cover topics of leadership, goal-setting, discipline, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy.

“Activities and discussions are geared towards building trust, supporting reflection, and brotherhood – all to empower the boys to take charge of their future, instilling a sense of responsibility, and giving them the skills to overcome obstacles,” says Jeffers

Birthed in Trinidad and Tobago over 20 years ago, the programme has touched the lives of over 3000 participants.

Helping to bring the transformative initiative to Saint Lucia, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke says the goals of the programme supports key areas of interest for the philanthropic organization - to build confidence, resilience, and leadership in the nation’s youth.

 “Our men and boys are large contributors to our society and it is imperative that we support them from a gender-based perspective to ensure that they not only survive but thrive, despite the unique challenges they face. This initiative strengthens the capacity building in our communities from the ground up and we are committed to ensuring a successful and sustainable future for generations to come”, she says.

Highlighting the importance of partnership in creating avenues of hope for young men, Jeffers noted, “We are excited to launch in St. Lucia. Establishing strong corporate-community partnerships like that of the Sandals Foundation, our organization has strengthened capacity building in communities, driving the shared commitment to youth empowerment and nation building.”