St. Joseph’s Boys School launch new initiative to tackle societal toxic masculinity
‘Shaping Mindsets’ project is designed to empower male students to openly discuss their identity; tackle perceived stereotypes and explore toxic masculinity
A new initiative was launched at St. Joseph’s Boys School on Thursday morning titled ‘Shaping Mindsets’ aimed at developing the thoughts, words and actions of students through philosophical inquiry and critical thinking.
Brainchild of Senior Teacher Mrs. Brenda Edwards and SEN teacher, Mr. Tom Easom, the project is designed to empower their male students to openly discuss their identity; tackle perceived stereotypes and explore toxic masculinity.
Mrs. Edwards described the initiative as an essential project to help students develop the necessary tools to effectively navigate the complexity and conflict of today’s world.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr was on hand to launch the project and said she was delighted to play a part in ‘Shaping Mindsets’ that will empower the boys of St. Joseph’s to openly discuss their male identity, while also thinking about the many complex issues around perceived stereotypes and toxic masculinity at a societal level.
She added: ‘In fact, this initiative sits well with a key element of my year in office which is to listen to the voices of our young people and ask them how we as elected representatives can best meet their needs and make them feel part of the decision-making process in our city and district.’
Also taking part in Thursday’s launch were representatives from collaborative groups including Young Plato; White Ribbon; Catalyst, FLC and Ulster University.
The group discussion also included the school Principal Mrs. Ciara Deane and chair of board of governors, Siobhan McIntyre, with the various representatives discussing plans on how they will support and deliver the project in the coming months.
Nicola Newbury, White Ribbon also facilitated workshops all week in the school with students from Year 10 to Year 14 and described them as ‘helpful and informative.’
Mrs. Edwards, added: ‘The staff at St Joseph’s Boys’ School recognise that we are shaping and building our city’s next generation of men - boys who will hopefully go on to become husbands, fathers and part of a workforce.
‘Challenging pupils to think for themselves, and to challenge societal prejudice and stereotype is critical. Students must learn to question the information they are exposed to. Through our collaboration with Thinking Changes (Young Plato), students use philosophical inquiry to critically explore topical issues, learning the art of effective dialogue. We empower pupils to stand up for what they believe in and to stand up for those around them who may need support.
‘We have incredibly high expectations of our boys and promote the ethos of ‘know better, to do better’ – we are creating informed citizens who will play an active role in society.
‘This project is in its infancy and we are excited to see its development. Moving forward, we have mapped cross-community links with other schools to enable opportunities for pupils to promote effective dialogue (facilitated by Thinking Changes). White Ribbon NI delivered workshops to almost 400 pupils last week and our collaboration will continue into next year.”
Stefania Gualberti, Thinking Changes Project and one of the contributors to the launch added that they were delighted to play a part in the St. Joseph’s initiative.
‘Thinking Changes is delighted to be working in St Joseph's Boys school as part of their shaping mindset project. We are thrilled to support teachers and pupils with the tools of Philosophy, as inspired by the work with children in the film, Young Plato, to create safe spaces to think critically and creatively together. Philosophy encourages active listening, perspective taking and empathy and empowers to ask meaningful questions, challenge assumptions, and explore ideas in a respectful and open-minded way.’
Before leaving the event, Mayor Seenoi-Barr made an appeal to the students in attendance about her ongoing ‘Inclusive Youth Initiative.’
‘I enjoyed speaking to the young people and had the opportunity to tell them more about my own Inclusive Youth Initiative where I am opening the doors of the Guildhall for social events where they and their fellow students from the Council area, can have fun and chat to me in an informal setting about what is important to them.’