Five groups get Amazing Men awards

It was with great pride that five groups of men received their Bureau of Gender Affairs Male Group awards at Jamaica's observance of International Men's Day on Monday, November 19, inside The University of the West Indies regional headquarters located on Hermitage Road in St Andrew.

The awards were part of an event put on by the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) in the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citizens Security and Justice Programme (CSJP) in the Ministry of National Security.

The outstanding organisations were awarded for their invaluable contribution to the social development of their communities and the youth. They are Men of God Against Violence and Abuse (MoGAVA), Youths For Arts and Recreational Development (Yard Empire), Charles Hyatt Foundation, Life Yard, and Men with a Message.

Addressing the Issues

In recognising that poor academic performances and antisocial behaviour in school might be stemming from the absence of fathers and a lack of positive role models, MoGAVA decided to address the issues.

MoGAVA is a faith-based organisation set up to get men and fathers to play their role in society, because the organisers believe that there is a correlation between fatherlessness and violence and abuse. Since its inception, it has been spreading the message of non-violence in social institutions. It has initiated projects, such the Amazing Dad television series, Fathering Behind Bars, and School Fathers.

"The organisation acts on the premise that most of the social ills we face as a nation, and by extension, globally, stem from men not taking up responsibility and playing their rightful roles in society," the BGA said.

Using arts and recreation as its main vehicles, Yard Empire is a non-governmental organisation which "aims to awaken, develop and promote the dignity and sense of self-worth among youth". It is "geared towards helping at-risk youth, particularly boys from age 13-23 years old".

Yard Empire was founded in 2017 by local actress Iris 'Terri' Salmon, and seeks to "correct the negative impact of fatherlessness". It has a mandate to "reach and change our youth". It has already entered into several major social development partnerships.

The focus of the nonprofit organisation, Charles Hyatt Foundation, is on the youth, more so boys, as it aims to "unearth their creative energies in schools". At Alpha Boys School, in 2009, they initiated the Straight Talk programme, which has been implemented at Boys Town Infant and Primary School since 2013.

It is guided by a "passion" for young men to exert their talents, and "provide young men with a road map to turn talent into sustainable careers. The Charles Hyatt Foundation continues to enjoy major milestones, as projects undertaken continue to have real-life impacts in the lives of males," the BGA said.

Positive Role Models

Started by 18 men in the heart of Kingston Gardens, Life Yard is a community-based social enterprise and multicultural eco-village. It "aims to provide positive role models to the youth in the community it serves".

Life Yard is committed to environmental care and protection, and sustainable development. As such, it has an organic farm from which food is provided for its restaurant, whose proceeds are given back to the community through the teaching of several skills. Its hosts a free movie night and operates Southside Eye TV, a community-based media station.

"Through its social enterprising and indigenous knowledge ... through the Rastafarian lifestyle, their product continues to attract many tourists to their community. Therefore, they continue to generate foreign currency and impact poverty at a household level in the Parade Gardens community," the BGA said.

Some men who have given up a life of crime and are encouraging others to follow their lead make up the group, 'Men with a Message'. The CSJP say they are using their own experiences "to promote non-violence and peace; to motivate undetached, at-risk young men to embrace goal-directed, productive living and opportunities; to give a national voice to marginalised, at-risk young males; and to mobilise communities to promote viable alternatives to crime and violence".

In closing his remarks to the gathering, Bruno Pouezat, UNDP's resident representative to Jamaica, said, "Let me again congratulate our Amazing Men. It is a privilege for us at UNDP to stand with all of Jamaica's amazing people, men and women, in helping them to become the best version of themselves and achieve their personal aspirations."