BoyZ2Men transform a local home

BoyZ2Men – the high school based mentoring programme started by School Counsellor Christopher Murray  – went out into the community to beautify and fix up a local home.

“Each year, the boys in the Boyz2Men program take the initiative to identify individuals in need within their communities,” Murray explained. “This year, one of our members recognized a home with two physically challenged residents and reached out to the program leaders.

Inspired by their empathy, the Boyz2Men team rallied over 20 boys to lend a helping hand. Together, they tackled yard work, painted the entire house – dog house included! – and brought smiles to the faces of the grateful residents.

The boys worked hard throughout the day, painting, cleaning, and clearing, making the home brand new! It was hard work, but by working as a team they got it done, and felt really good about themselves.

“This project wasn’t just about beautification; it was about fostering a spirit of community and giving back,” said Murray, “By dedicating their time, the boys earned 10 valuable community service hours, all while delivering an early Christmas spirit to this deserving family.”

Since the programme began in 2009, it has steadily grown, year-by-year. Other boys would see a change in their friends who were on the programme, and would want to join too. Teachers and parents soon saw a real change in the boys’ behavior, too.

This year, the new cohort included more than 160 boys. The programme aims to empower the boys, many of whom are considered ‘at risk.’ It provides positive role models for them, and gives them a sense of pride in all that they do. Boys aged between 14 and 16 joining the programme are provided with a smart black tie – which has become one of the programme’s emblems of self-esteem and self-respect. Part of the induction ceremony involves the boys giving an oath to adhere to the programme’s core values, which include supporting each other, setting personal goals, and engaging in service projects.

In previous years the boys have worked hard tidying up parks and public places and homes for the elderly or those with challenges.

Recently, one of the partners, RBC, stepped in with a special class to help the boys with their maths.  and embracing challenges.

“Practice,” is the theme for this year’s programme. The boys will hbe working with mentors in presentations, workshops, life-skills initiatives, and even etiquette in fine-dining.

Murray originally had the idea for the programme around 2009 after working as a counsellor at HMP Northward Prison, and seeing teenage boys who had already got into trouble with the authorities, and were asking for a second chance. He realised that, by going into Cayman’s high schools, he could do something to help them before they had chosen the wrong path in life.

Murray’s desire to help has flourished into today’s fantastic and well-respected programme, Boyz 2 Men.