More than 40 Grade six boys from Mico Practising Primary and Junior High School engaged in discussions about critical life issues, shaping their development and aspirations at the Conversations With Boys (CWB) workshop staged by Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) earlier this month.

Led by associate clinical psychologist Verol Billet, the boys openly explored key topics such as respect for women and girls, bullying, peer pressure, the dangers of substance abuse, and empathy during the January 15 event held at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

The interactive discussions encouraged the boys to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how to navigate these issues positively.

A highlight of the event was the new segment, ‘2025: Thinking for the Future’, which focused on financial literacy. Oshane Allen, wealth advisor at GK Mutual Funds, shared practical, age-appropriate advice on early money management and introduced the boys to potential career opportunities in the financial sector.

“Financial literacy is an essential life skill, and it’s never too early to start. We are thrilled to be part of an initiative that equips these young boys with the knowledge and confidence to plan for their future. The conversations today were inspiring, and we hope to see them grow into financially responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s progress,” a news release from the organisers quotes Allen.

Grace Burnett, chair of WLI, reiterated the importance of the programme, saying, “WLI and our sponsors are delighted to provide a safe and inviting space for the boys to openly discuss their challenges, dreams, and hopes for the future. Since the inception of the Conversations With Boys programme, we have remained committed to shaping young lives by addressing critical issues that affect their development. We encourage the boys to speak freely, as their feedback not only enriches these sessions but also guides WLI in identifying and addressing advocacy gaps within the wider society. It is our hope that the tools and guidance provided through this programme will empower these young boys to grow into men who are positive contributors to Jamaica, land we love.”

Nadine Heywood, chair of the Advocacy Committee, emphasised the significance of the programme.

“The CWB initiative is supported by research and feedback from stakeholders in education and child advocacy that showed early intervention could lead to behavioural change. CWB is now one of WLI’s main projects, and we are invested, as leaders and mothers, in playing our role in shaping Jamaica’s future society and fulfilling our mission to contribute to the well-being of all Jamaica,” Heywood said.

Since its inception in 2018, the Conversations With Boys programme has exemplified WLI’s commitment to nurturing young minds. It has engaged 222 boys from Mico Practising Primary over the years, showcasing both the continuity of the initiative and the organisation’s dedication to the project and the school.