MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Fifty-five schoolboys from two institutions in this south-central parish benefited from auto mechanics experience at Neil’s Auto in Mandeville recently. The children, who are students at Ebenezer Primary and Fergusson Primary, were hosted by Neil’s Auto last Thursday as part of the institutions’ annual boy’s day activities.

Proprietor of Neil’s Auto Bunny Neil told the Jamaica Observer that children need positive role models and influence to steer them in the right direction as well as potential career paths.

“This is something we do every year. We know what is happening in the schools today. We just want to show the boys that all is not lost. These boys are our future. You have to take care of them, it is our duty and responsibility as business people to help them [boys] to become good citizens,” he said while pointing out that the boys learnt aspects of auto mechanics.

Neil’s Auto has been in operation since 1996, offering motor vehicle servicing, engine and body repairs among other services.

“It means the world to me. I love young people. A lot of them came to Neil’s Auto service and some are doing their own business now. Some migrated. Some are teachers. Some are also now working as assessors. I believe it is my duty as long as Neil’s Auto service is in operation especially for the parish of Manchester to guide and train young people,” he said.

Motivational speaker Conway Chambers addressed the boys about being future leaders.“I must commend Neil’s Auto service for hosting such an impactful experience for young people. These young and vibrant minds are the future,” he said.

Principal of Ebenezer Primary Joan Blackwood-Simpson explained the rationale behind boy’s day.

“We just want them to know that they are special, because at times they feel it is all about the girls. We are also gearing them towards a career path. Taking them to Neil’s Auto, they will have a first-hand view of what it is all about in terms of auto mechanics,” she said.

She commended Neil for his continued community involvement and philanthropy.

“I wish we would have other partners from the community doing this, because we are losing our boys to indiscipline and they feel that they are out there on their own. When we have members of the business community coming together collaborating with us, it is a great thing,” she said.

Sylvia Morris-Jones, teacher at Fergusson Primary, expressed similar sentiments.

“It is a good initiative. Normally we would have the boys stay at school and then we ask the different presenters to come in. This year we thought it was good for the boys to go out and socialise with other people and to see how we function in the real world,” she said.

“It teaches the boys to be skilled and give them the opportunity to decide their career path,” she added.