Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Collaborative Journey of Manhood Academy Global & OFOB
Committed to life-changing opportunities for children, this registered charity focuses on bridging the gap between manhood and adolescence. A crucial collaboration with One Flow One Brent (OFOB) has allowed Manhood Academy Global to not only address this gap but also forge deep connections within families. Together, they are crafting a narrative that empowers young men, encourages vulnerability, and builds resilient communities.
Addressing the Gap:
The statistics from the Office for National Statistics paint a stark picture, with men accounting for a significant majority of police cautions and indictable offences. Manhood Academy Global recognises the importance of addressing the transition from childhood to manhood, striving to guide young men towards responsible leadership. Through transformative masterclasses, life coaching, mentoring, and cultural exchange programmes, the organisation aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Collaboration with One Flow One Brent:
The partnership with OFOB has brought about a transformative 12-to-15-week Parent Advocacy programme. This parenting initiative, which is set to launch in early February, focuses on strengthening family bonds, a critical aspect in navigating the challenges faced by young people today. From critical incidents to child criminal exploitation and gang involvement, the programme equips families with essential tools to address these challenges head-on.
“Through our work, we realised around 99% of young people we work with are going through challenges at home, mostly regarding miscommunication and disconnection with their parents. They do not feel like they belong,” says Davis J Williams, the CEO of Manhood Academy Global. “Some parents spend little time speaking to their children and that affects their mental health. This programme is to support and empower families to find the lost connection again.”
The organisation has already received applications of interest from over 50 families who will be invited to an open day on the 29th of January which takes place both on-site and online. Families are invited to join either an online meeting from 8 am to 9:30 am or in person at Brent Hub, 6 Hillside, Stonebridge, London NW10 8BN, starting at 8 pm – 9 pm (families are asked to arrive for 7:50 pm). RSVP for both meetings is required – follow the link for more information.
The M.A.G team will also select the right families for the programme on that day. The main criteria are commitment and preparation as M.A.G. is specifically looking for families that are ‘prepared to rewrite their narrative’ – those who are ready to speak out about their problems and those who have enough time and energy to fully commit to the full duration of the programme.
“The programme is a catalyst to a movement. Our team will be supporting and preparing the participating families to start hosting their own podcasts as the key outcome. This activity should help them own their voice, own their opinions, and connect with other families that are going through similar challenges,” Davis says. “We see the podcast as a platform empowering other families to speak up about their concerns and get involved.”
My Life Matters:
With the support of OFOB, Manhood Academy Global also launched the My Life Matters project. This initiative not only provides young Londoners with content they genuinely want but also engages them in the process. The beauty of the project lies in its collaborative approach, where ideas are discussed, formalised, and given back to the community. This model of engagement has opened doors to collaborations with other delivery partners, fostering a supportive network that amplifies the impact on young lives.
Community-Building and Empowerment:
Through their programme, Manhood Academy Global empowers young people to become valuable resources within their communities. This ripple effect, spreading knowledge and insight, strengthens not only the individual but also their households and neighbourhoods. The emphasis on community safety, human welfare, and citizen-related matters reflects a comprehensive approach to manhood.
While making commendable strides, Manhood Academy Global acknowledges the territorial issues and narratives related to disputes and criminal behaviour. Addressing these challenges is integral to their mission, ensuring that the transformation journey is not hindered by external factors.
The collaboration between Manhood Academy Global and One Flow One Brent shows the power of community engagement in shaping the future. By addressing the gap between manhood and adolescence, these organisations are not just transforming individuals but entire communities. The My Life Matters and Parenting projects, born out of this collaboration, are an inspiring example of how empowering young people and their families with relatable content can create a positive impact. As we look towards the future, campaigns, billboards, and various forms of marketing will further visualise their intentions, involving stakeholders from schools to local stores in the important conversation about nurturing responsible leaders. Together, they are paving the way for a generation that recognises the strength in vulnerability and understands the importance of shared experiences in building resilient communities.