Help Boys Thrive: Ignite Hope

Dear Valued  Supporters, Partners & Donors,

Thank you for your unwavering support of the Help Boys Thrive: Ignite Hope initiative. Your generosity has empowered us to make a transformative impact on the lives of young boys through our mentoring workshops. This quarterly report highlights the key activities and outcomes of our recent efforts, showcasing the progress made in fostering growth, resilience, and purpose in our mentees.

Program Highlights1. Mentoring Workshop: Reclaiming Your Color

Theme: Embracing Authenticity in a World of Conformity
This workshop encouraged boys to explore their unique identities and resist societal pressures to conform. Through critical thinking exercises, vulnerability-sharing sessions, and actionable steps toward authenticity, participants were inspired to embrace their true selves. The short film Alike served as a powerful catalyst, sparking meaningful discussions about individuality and self-expression.

Impact: Mentees developed greater self-awareness and confidence in expressing their unique identities, equipping them to navigate societal expectations with authenticity.

2. Mentoring Workshop: Lifted - Rising Above Challenges

Focus: Persistence and Growth Mindset
This session emphasized the value of learning from failure and building resilience. Through teamwork activities and reflective discussions, participants were encouraged to reframe mistakes as opportunities for growth. The short film Lifted provided a relatable framework for exploring perseverance and confidence-building.

Impact: Boys gained practical tools to overcome challenges, fostering a growth mindset and stronger collaboration skills that will serve them in academic and personal pursuits.

3. Mentoring Workshop: Becoming Men

Collaboration: Lagos City College and Senior Men Africa
Led by Ola Akinwe, this impactful session reached 600 boys, focusing on the journey to manhood. The workshop incorporated the Million Mask Movement, encouraging participants to reflect on societal expectations of masculinity and embrace positive male role models. Through dynamic discussions and activities, mentees explored what it means to become responsible, compassionate men.

Impact: Participants left with a clearer understanding of positive masculinity, strengthened by role models and peer support, setting a foundation for leadership and integrity.

4. Mentoring Workshop: Fatherhood

Theme: Values of Fatherhood, Sacrifice, and Emotional Connection
Centered around the short film Father, this workshop created a safe space for boys to discuss the role of fathers and male role models. Guided discussions and reflective activities allowed mentees to share personal experiences, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence. The session emphasized the importance of sacrifice and connection in building strong relationships.

Impact: Mentees developed enhanced communication and interpersonal skills, greater empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the role of positive father figures, strengthening their emotional resilience.

5. Mentoring Workshop: Timeline Visualization - Letters to My Future Self

Focus: Crafting a Legacy at 80
This reflective workshop guided mentees in writing letters to their 80-year-old selves, encouraging them to articulate their aspirations, values, and long-term goals. The exercise fostered self-awareness, accountability, and a forward-thinking mindset, helping boys visualize their legacy.

Impact: Participants gained clarity on their life goals and developed a stronger sense of purpose, equipping them with a framework for intentional decision-making.

6. Mentoring Workshop: Introduction to Financial Literacy

Focus: Empowering Financial Decision-Making
This session introduced boys to essential financial literacy concepts not typically taught in school, such as budgeting, saving, and understanding money’s value. Interactive activities and discussions equipped mentees with practical tools to make informed financial decisions.

Impact: Participants gained foundational knowledge to manage finances responsibly, fostering confidence in navigating economic challenges and planning for their future.

Looking Ahead

The Help Boys Thrive: Ignite Hope initiative continues to empower young boys to become confident, authentic, and resilient men. With your continued support, we plan to expand our reach, deepen our workshop offerings, and further engage communities in fostering positive male role models.

We are immensely grateful for your partnership in this mission. Together, we are igniting hope and transforming lives.