Four Paths’ Boys to Men initiative builds confidence, character

For some boys, the journey from childhood to manhood is shaped by challenges that are not always visible in the classroom. Low self-esteem, peer pressure, limited motivation, difficult home circumstances and the absence of positive male role models can influence how they learn, behave and see themselves.

At Four Paths Primary and Infant School in Clarendon, educators are seeking to address those challenges through the Boys to Men initiative, a programme envisioned by Guidance Counsellor Eswic Dorway to provide mentorship, guidance and positive experiences that help boys build confidence, discipline, resilience and strong values.

One of the programme’s latest activities is the Spruce Up Our School Paint Drive, which will bring together students, parents, teachers, alumni and community partners to transform the campus ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year. School leaders say the initiative is designed not only to improve the physical environment, but also to promote teamwork, volunteerism and school pride while strengthening community bonds.

Principal Rose-Marie Logan said supporting boys requires more than academic instruction.

“This initiative is extremely vital, as it seeks to address some of those needs; helps to build character; develop leadership skills; strengthen discipline and build resilience, thereby helping our boys to become confident young men who are prepared to succeed academically and positively impact society,” Logan said.

The need for such support is reflected in some of the challenges the school has observed among its male students. Logan said many struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem issues, and may lack the motivation to perform well academically.

She also highlighted the absence of positive male role models in the lives of some boys, particularly those growing up in single-parent households. For some students, she added, living in volatile communities can contribute to behavioural challenges.

“These challenges undoubtedly affect their learning and how they relate to their peers and also leadership,” Logan said.

Dorway identified behaviour problems, low motivation, peer pressure, limited male role models and emotional difficulties as some of the issues facing boys at the school.

“These challenges can lead to poor academic performance, behavioural issues, low self-esteem and difficulty building healthy relationships,” Dorway said.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

For the school, the response is not simply about correcting behaviour when problems arise. It is about creating opportunities for boys to develop confidence, make positive choices and build healthy relationships.

That philosophy is evident in the paint drive, which Logan said goes beyond beautifying the campus.

“This paint drive is not just about beautifying our school. It’s about instilling in our boys a sense of pride, creating an opportunity for them to showcase their talents, encouraging teamwork, promoting volunteerism, and demonstrating that everyone has a role to play in creating a positive learning environment,” she said.

Dorway believes the project will also strengthen relationships across the school community.

“It is an excellent opportunity for parents, teachers and students to work together, promoting unity, teamwork and school pride. Working towards a shared goal encourages cooperation, builds friendships and creates a stronger sense of belonging among everyone involved,” Dorway said.

Both Logan and Dorway say parental involvement is crucial to the success of the programme. Logan noted that students who perform well academically and demonstrate stronger emotional and social development are often those whose parents are actively engaged in their education.

“When parents actively partner with our school, the boys receive consistent guidance, physical and emotional support and there is a high level of responsibility and accountability. This creates the foundation for them to be successful,” she said.

Dorway said positive role models can play a critical role in helping boys build confidence, acquire life skills and make better decisions.

“It is very important. It provides guidance, mentorship and positive experiences that help boys develop confidence, discipline and good values,” he said.

He added that activities that encourage participation and teamwork help students feel connected to their school community.

“These activities build confidence, strengthen relationships, encourage teamwork and help children feel valued and connected to their school community,” he said.

Logan said the ultimate goal is to create a culture in which boys feel supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

“I hope this initiative will inspire our boys to believe in themselves, strengthen the family involvement, foster even greater community partnerships and create a culture where every boy feels valued, supported and empowered to grow and thrive,” she said.

At the heart of the initiative, she added, is the belief that raising confident, responsible young men is a shared responsibility.

“When families, schools and communities unite, we develop in our boys a sense of cultural pride, showcase positive male role models, build their confidence level and also give them a sense of identity,” Logan said.

The Spruce Up Our School Paint Drive is seeking donations of at least one gallon of low-sheen emulsion paint in the school’s signature colours, School Blue and Carnival Yellow, as well as cash contributions. Volunteers are also being invited to assist with the exercise.

Those wishing to contribute paint, make a donation or volunteer their time may do so through the school’s office or by contacting the principal directly at 876-423-9627.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com