Published:Monday | March 11, 2024 | 12:09 AM Rasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer
Dinthill Technical High School in St. Catherine has embarked upon a proactive approach to strengthening the resolve and determination of its male student population.
The 86-year-old institution was abuzz with activity on March 6, 2024 as past students gathered for the annual Boys’ Day that saw them interacting with the students and imparting knowledge to the male cohort.
Boys’ Day was held under the theme ‘Dare to be different, there is a purpose in me’.
“It is a meaningful contribution to the overall development of our male student body, as many feel defeated by their environment, therefore I do believe this intervention will help,” said Damion Martin, head boy at the school.
The men, enraptured by the occasion, were taught coping skills, entrepreneurship grooming, courtship, investment stocks and money management among other skills, which would ensure to their benefit.
Principal Anthony Garwood said the approach was conceptualised to help the boys focus more.
“We realise over time that the males are settling for less than deserved. With our curriculum and value-added programme we realise that empowerment starts with the belief that they are good as anyone, so this is work in progress. See them grow in the belief that they are good as anyone,” Garwood said.
For Guidance Counsellor Mark Auguste, surveys conducted revealed that the males need to be rescued from their situations.
“This is our second such activity of its type here. It is timely and relevant, as many of these boys react negatively to their reality. The sadness sometimes even results in fights, as they lash out at the situation, where many are without fathers in the households. This is to allow them access to realise their true potential and the best example is to have resource personnel impart knowledge of survival to them,” Auguste said.
Joseph Small, president of the Dinthill Past Students Association, endorsed the occasion.
“We have seen this school evolve from an agrarian institution to its current, which is academically based. I am proud to be a past student and am even more pleased to see that a positive approach is being undertaken for them (students) to maximise their potential,” Small said.
Guest speaker Pastor Courtney Morrison engaged the audience with an interactive contribution under the acronym S.H.A.V.E. –Story, Honour, Achievement, Vision and Excellence.
Morrison told the students to believe in themselves, be responsible and achieve their goals through conscientious effort.
The consensus was that it is an approach that is being endorsed for years to come.
Dinthill, which has an enrolment of 1,432 students with a 42 per cent, or 601 male population, started in 1938 as an agriculture-based institution.
A Jamaica Gleaner Article.