Fatherlessness, or the lack of fathers being active and present in their children’s lives, is a growing crisis in Anguilla – one that underlies many of the challenges that children and families at large are facing. When dads are not around, young people are more likely to drop out of school, use drugs, be involved in the criminal justice system, and become young parents themselves.
In light of this, the Guidance Counsellor, in collaboration with the Principal and Staff of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, has planned, organized and implemented the school’s very first ‘Guarding our Boys’ Programme. The programme is focused on encouraging individuals, especially fathers, to be involved in the lives of their children, and to be positive role models and mentors in their communities.
From this programme, it is hoped that fathers/male guardians will:
• Learn how to communicate in a positive and healthy way.
• Learn how important it is to look at their own behaviours and make positive changes.
• Learn how their son’s growth and development into a healthy man depends on their
ongoing involvement in their child’s life.
• Get a clearer idea on what is important for themselves and their sons… and how to avoid the familiar traps.
• Be more involved and have a positive presence.
This programme is for ALL BOYS of the M.V.P.S along with their fathers/guardians. It promises to be an engaging, fun and meaningful experience. Participants are guided on a journey that deepens the father-son relationship and supports them in making the vital changes required at this important developmental stage in the boy’s life. Men and boys engage in fun and rewarding adventures that include projects, games, storytelling and presentations. These activities will assist in promoting healthy male camaraderie among all participants.
The boys get to hear ‘real’ stories, from the men, which broaden their own view of what adult masculinity is, and what it can mean for them. This creates a tangible connection within the group and assists participants to speak honestly and listen with empathy.
It is also a rare opportunity for all boys to be acknowledged for their unique qualities by their father and other men.?Boys will leave feeling connected to their father/guardian, as well as other male figures. This gives them self-confidence and hope for the future.
At the launch of the programme on Wednesday 22nd February 2017, fathers were challenged with three main questions :
• What is your favourite aspect of being a father?
• What is the hardest aspect of being a father?
• What is your positive parenting pledge?
At the end of the launch, all fathers/guardians made a verbal commitment by reciting a pledge to be the best father/guardian they can be. They were reminded that a pledge represents a promise, not just for parents, but also for members of the community. 
By encouraging parents and empathizing with their daily struggles, a community can be built with a foundation rooted in parental support instead of judgement.
Guarding our Boys Pledge
I Pledge To:
• Always embrace the opportunity to teach my child
• Spend valuable time with my child
• Connect and build a positive relationship with my child
• Be more patient and find positive ways to cope with stress
• Fully engage with my child and put away all electronics and distractions when speaking with my child
• Be more supportive and to instil good qualities in my child: eg. kindness, generosity and public service
• Model good behaviours and be the good example I want my children to carry throughout their lives
• Spend individual time as much as possible with each of my children
• Be a consistent presence in my child’s life
• Encourage my child to be goal oriented
• Help my child find successes and celebrate those successes
• Inspire my child and be inspired by my child as well
– Contributed
