Young men in the community have the opportunity to develop skills and network with men in the area.
The final orientation for enrollment in the Manhood Youth Development Foundation Inc. (MYDF) program will take place Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Caring and Sharing Learning School, 1951 SE Fourth St.
The foundation is a mentoring program for elementary, middle and high school students in Alachua County. several concerned citizens participating in the state workshop.
The final orientation session is mandatory for all new students participating in the program. All participants must complete an enrollment application and parents must agree to a parenting agreement requiring them to promote the program and participate in at least three activities throughout the year. There is no cost for the students.
Charlie Jackson, president of the foundation, said the foundation was created to introduce and transform young men and their families into a better future.
“The number one goal of this program is to help the Alachua County School District increase the graduation rate of young men who graduate from high school,” Jackson said.
The main objective of the program is to teach young men to become productive citizens, for example by teaching them to resolve conflicts using non-violent measures, by orienting them towards various employment opportunities, by teaching them skills life, financial planning and budgeting, goal setting and career planning, providing mental health and first aid training, leadership and team building skills, Jackson said. .
Young men in the program recently attended events at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee to participate in the school’s fall premiere. The students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the registration, admissions and financial aid offices, student activities, the student government association and several academic departments of the historically black university. Students in the program also took part in FAMU’s homecoming activities last weekend, with the highlight being attending the school’s football game on Saturday, which the Rattlers won by beating Grambling State. University of Louisiana by a score of 28-3.
“MYDF expresses its gratitude to Alachua County, the FAMU Alumni Association and other supporters for helping to make this trip a success,” said Jackson.
Educational sessions for the program will normally take place at Caring and Sharing. Once the final activities are scheduled, it will be published and distributed very soon.
Curtis Peterson, director of Caring and Sharing, said he saw young men who participated in the program graduate from college, get jobs in their fields and enlist in the military.
He encourages those who are interested in helping young people attend the orientation.
“We are committed to transforming young boys into productive men in society,” said Peterson. “We welcome all who are ready to participate in transforming the lives of young men in the community. “
