SIX fathers were among 21 people who graduated from the Mothers’ Union Worldwide Parenting Programme (WPP), hosted last week Wednesday by the Boy’s Town Infant and Primary School in Kingston.

The parents are the first cohort in the Parents’ Education, Fitness and Nutrition Club of the school, which began in November 2015.

The graduates all received certificates and were praised for their hard work and participation in the programme, while the men were specially acknowledged by assistant CEO of Boys’ Town, Ricardo McGeachy, who applauded their commitment to being better men.

“I understand and know as a man that it is not easy to take that step without the criticism of friends. Not all of you are fathers, but you made this step and for that I applaud you,” McGeachy said to the graduates, their families and well-wishers.

Male graduate, Curtis McDonald, even though not a father, said the programme was an opportunity to better himself and other participants.

“The programme meant a lot to me. We shared mutual respect for each other and as we learned and grew together we felt just like a family,” said McDonald. “I attended the maths and English classes and benefited a lot from them. I encourage anyone interested… from this or any other community to come along. You can’t lose anything from joining, all you can do is gain.”

All in attendance celebrated the graduates’ achievements in literacy and numeracy as well as career and parental skills training facilitated by Boys’ Town Infant and Primary School guidance counsellor, Dr Christine Stennett.

“I have a vision of what I want Boys’ Town to be,” Dr Stennett told the graduation ceremony held at the Hugh Sherlock Hall in Trench Town, Kingston. “I want it to be the school of choice [but] we cannot effectively reach the children without reaching the parents.”

The Parents’ Education, Fitness and Nutrition Club’s programme began after Dr Stennett saw the need to reach out to parents in the community. It provided parents with nutrition advice and fitness assistance along with career skills and a 12-week parental skills training from WPP. The Parents’ Club, according to Dr Stennett, is a proven success, as these graduates have already shown they are better equipped and willing to be active parents.

Social worker and principal of Riverton Early Childhood Centre, Junior Rowe, in the keynote address urged the graduates to continue their journey, even though the programme has ended.

“Whatever stage you are, I want to encourage you that the journey still continues,” said Rowe, who is also the administrator and supervisor for St Patrick’s Foundation. “The programme is a symbol of hope, possibility and prosperity. It is a way out of poverty so I encourage you to sow into it and reap the benefits,” he said.