Family Empowerment Movement Inc. (FEM Inc) has reached out to boys and men who have been making a difference in the lives of their families and the rest of society. This came as Dominica joined the rest of the world on November 19 to observe International Men’s Day.
“We reach out to our boys and men who are trying their utmost to help within their families, within their homes, in society, at an education institution, at their place of work or in the community developing areas,” Member of FEM Inc, Thomas Holmes said during a statement. “We thank our boys and men who make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others, their siblings, parents, and community leaders.”
He continued, “We reach out to the boys and men and thank them for doing their utmost to uphold humanity to avoid criminal activities, to avoid gender-based violence, all forms of abuse against our children, against our parents, against our grandparents and great-grandparents.”
Holmes added, “We reach out to the boys who continue to be examples to other boys in the classroom, in the community, on the field of play, and all other areas where they congregate to work with each other.”
Men are also called upon to be strong for family development.
“We need you to be strong, to be examples, to be mentors to our children, especially our young boys,” he stated.
Furthermore, he called on men to continue to be responsible to those who have not shown this responsibility and accountability to self, family, and community.
“We urge you to look at yourself in a mirror as we do in counseling and realize what is going on in your lives, what you can do most of so that you can help yourself and help others,” Holmes urged. “Develop not just yourself and your families, but our nation. We need to support all those who reach out to each other. We thank you and we ask you to continue to work with each other for the development of the Commonwealth of Dominica.”
Holmes also reached out to all those who are in possession of illegal firearms and asked them to respond to the call of the Firearm and Ammunition Amnesty which was recently extended to December 1, 2023.
“Please turn in your illegal weapons and ammunition,” he advised. “This is the right way forward to help build a safe and united nation, the Commonwealth of Dominica.”
Meanwhile, in observation of World Children’s Day observed on Monday, Holmes pleaded with the adult population to help develop the children of Dominica.
“Help our children in their total development, personal, social, educational, emotional and also spiritual,” he noted and called on adults to show genuine love and respect to children.
“Let us not molest them, let us not neglect them, let us not abuse them,” he warned. “As a nation, we need our children to continue to build on the positivity of nation-building.”
The FEM leader exhorted adults to show utmost care and love for children in all forms, “in their education, in their sporting activities, in their social development, at home, at school, and in the community.”
He urged children to do their best to respect themselves, “respect adults, respect others in authority.”
“Together let us work for the best of our country, our families, and our nation, the Commonwealth of Dominica,” Holmes said.
Family Empowerment Movement Inc (FEM Inc.) is a Dominica Family Organization which was registered as a Non-Profit Organization in 2019 under the auspices of the local University of the West Indies Dominica Open Campus whose main aim is to facilitate Psychosocial intervention for families in Dominica. Many families are facing daily challenges, particularly involving broken relationships, abuse, violence, poor health, and inequality.
Finally, someone recognizing that men and young boys are trying their best to keep it together.
Failing to plan is planning to fail. The government, the adults in society, many parents have collectively dropped the ball when it comes to the advancement and future of our boys, young men and young people.
GOVERNMENT:
Too many of our young men mainly because of the perennially ailing economy, are loitering on the street corners unemployed. The government should place emphasis on industries that cater mostly for young people. These include but not limited to technology, performing arts, entrepreneurship, engineering, agriculture, service industries.
ADULTS IN SOCIETY:
The adults in society must display the behaviour at all times that we want our boys and children to emulate. Should become more involved in sporting and get community clubs for the young..
PARENTS:
The home is the most important institution in any society. If the homes are dysfunctional, society becomes dysfunctional. Parents have to set high standards for children to model.