Convent Prep boys make their voices heard

The students during the march
The students during the march

“We the boys from Convent Prep, marching down the streets today! We want all our friends to know boys are precious you will see! Convent Prep! CARIMAN! M.O.E!”

Their voices echoes through the streets of the capital on Thursday as two hundred boys from the Convent Preparatory School made their stance on violence and the value of boys in society heard.

The march began on the grounds of the school and it saw members of the Caribbean Male action Network (CARIMAN), fathers and other male figures participating. It formed part of recognizing Boy’s Awareness Week.

Public Relations Officer for CARIMAN, Lester Guye, told DNO that he was impressed with the turnout of fathers for the event.

“We have quite a bit of fathers here and I think that is commendable, I never expected to see so many fathers so I think I need to give the Convent Prep fathers a thumbs up,” he stated.

He said the march is part of tackling roots of the problems that men and boys face and aims “to empower our young boys and young men, through primary school through tertiary level education …”

One of the fathers, Danielle Shillingford, who came to support his two sons said he is trying to be involved “100 percent in everything they do.”

“I’m here supporting my sons who are in this march today and hoping to pass on a message to the rest of the fathers out there who would see and be encouraged by what I am doing,” he stated. “So I hope in the future they remember I am present for them.”

Shillingford carried a placard which read “I have a responsibility to ensure their rights” and he join the others in shouting, “We want all our friends to know boys are precious, you will see!”

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12 Comments

  1. November 20, 2014

    It is now two years later and I have just discovered this news article on the internet.

    The pictures are lovely. A lot of extra work went into this day. You are investing in a worthy cause. These boys are a big part of Dominica’s future. They will never forget the time you have given them. It will pay highly in years to come.

    This is the time to plant the good seed in their young hearts and give them an appreciation for the things that have eternal value.

    Blessings!

    Sincerely, rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  2. kylie
    November 22, 2013

    Wow wow, impressive. Great work. Keep it up. Boys are precious; They are the ones who must grow up to be the future heads of house holds, leaders, fathers,etc.

    Lets be there for them. Good job fathers ( who turned up) ; also to those who make an attempt to be in their sons’ lives. hats off to you guys. far too many cowards, in the shape of men, abandon their parental responsibilities(inlcuding mine).

  3. Lucille
    November 22, 2013

    Using children for political movement, the basis for the march is ludicrous and poorly stated. I can see organizing to encourage men to get more involved in the lives of their children but it is erroneously stated as if young men/boy children are being treated as if they are of lesser value than a girl child and are being discriminated against. The organizer of this match are seriously flawed or maybe just playing above their level.

  4. Justice and Truth
    November 22, 2013

    Thanks DNO! It is worth passing on and informing others near and far.
    …And they are precious indeed even more so in the eyes of God. The future Dominican generation of many other generations to come.
    I am proud of you Convent Prep boys and fathers. Happy to read this from afar. Happy to know good things are happening in Dominica. This is one step forward with many more in the future.
    Boys and fathers, keep it up. Make Dominica a happy and safe place to reside where everyone loves one another, fathers, mothers and children …
    Fathers, you have projected encouragement to your sons, which must have made them happy to know they are loved and cared for by their Dads. You have made them proud and to have Dads as you. May every father emulate you.
    There is no doubt your example is held in high esteem and you have also encouraged other fathers to do likewise.
    Convent Prep boys, be diligent in your studies for you will eventually reap the fruits of your overall efforts. Obey your parents and teachers.
    Happy moments to have read this. Yes! Let your voices be heard.
    God bless each and everyone of you who participated in this gathering, match and rally.

  5. November 21, 2013

    we good u know

  6. Sylvester J Cadette
    November 21, 2013

    So Very commendable to all who organized and all who participated – especially the fathers. Great Work Convent Prep and CARIMAN!!

    More than ever before the role of fathers and the responsibilities are critical in the face of growing vices – pornography, child abuse and neglect, deprivation of love comfort, moral and spiritual support, deprivation of education and love. We face an ever-increasingly decadant society.

    Our role as fathers to love, care for, nurture, guide, comfort, educate, pray for, bless, provide for, shepherd, lead, listen to and encourage among a thousand other responsibilities must be undertaken with pride, a sense of purpose and commitment to GOD, Our children, to community and to country. GOD BLESS ALL OUR CHILDREN!!

  7. Big Sis
    November 21, 2013

    Bravo, clap, clap good job boys, too many father’s neglect their children, its like 2 purposes well served.

  8. Roger Burnett
    November 21, 2013

    Regardless of the laudable aims of this initiative, it disturbs me that placard waving primary school children are encouraged to take to the streets, regardless of the cause. Recently, I witnessed a group of primary school children, who had made a visit to the Astaphan Supermarket, marching the street chanting, “Astaphan, Astaphan, Astaphan”.

    Let’s allow our children to be children and leave protests and promotion to adults.

    • Anonymous
      November 22, 2013

      Are you not smart enough to know that it is too late by the time you leave it for adulthood? Don’t you know the best way to learn is to start from small?

  9. Anonymous
    November 21, 2013

    I absolutely love this!!!

  10. Tashtash ma belle
    November 21, 2013

    What a cute father-and-sons trio! They are simply gorgeous! :-D

  11. ISIDORA
    November 21, 2013

    Great Job Convent Prep. I’ve noticed that every year the boys at the Convent Prep participate in this event. Wished other boys from other schools could do the same.

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