Dear Editor,

The importance of support systems in education is widely recognised, yet there is a pressing need to focus on how we can support males in their educational journeys. Many males tend to shy away from pursuing education beyond high school, and for those who do obtain a first degree, further academic pursuits are often sidelined.

Many young men become distracted by various responsibilities, while others may lack the motivation or passion to continue their education. To address this issue, we must empower males to recognise the significance of education in their lives. Males play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society, but current educational institutions, such as The Mico University College and Church Teachers’ College, reveal a concerning trend: classrooms are predominantly filled with female student teachers.

Education is fundamental to the backbone of our society, and it is vital to encourage more males to take advantage of available educational opportunities and pursue careers in various fields, such as education. This can be influenced by having strong male role models in classrooms, which undoubtedly impact our males, inspiring them to achieve their goals.

To facilitate this empowerment and engagement, we can implement several strategies:

1) Connect education to tangible career opportunities: By aligning education with clear career paths, we can illustrate the practical benefits of pursuing further studies.

2) Encourage skill development for the modern workplace: Focusing on skills that are relevant in today’s job market can help males see the value of education.

3) Tailor the school curriculum to address disengagement early: Addressing disengagement from a young age can help retain male students in the education system.

4) Combat stereotypes surrounding boys’ education: Challenging existing stereotypes can foster a more inclusive educational environment.

These strategies, if implemented effectively, can lead to substantial improvements in the educational achievements of males. As the proverb states, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” We must address these challenges and create opportunities for males, actively promoting scholarship programmes tailored to their interests. By encouraging them to dream big and aspire for greatness, we can help them realise their potential.

Ricardo Smith

Senior educator and social scientist

ricardo.professional.edu@gmail.com