The Boyz2men program, which focused on empowering young Kaymanians, was about weekend painting and repairing an elderly resident's home in West Bay.
Boyz2men board member and Cayman Compass Journalist Seaford Russell explained that the goal of the weekend was to uplift a community member in need while mentoring and enriching the lives of the 13- to 16-year-old boys participating in the program.
“We learned that one of the residents of the house is blind, but what the eyes do not see, the heart feels,” Russell said.
Forty-nine boys worked over the weekend to give the house where Finita Ebanks lives with other family members a fresh coat of paint.
“The experience taught us to work together respectfully and responsibly so that we can be treated the same way,” said 16-year-old Armani McLean, who said he enjoyed the painting experience.
“It looks great now and we had fun doing it. When I worked together like this, I appreciated the importance of good communication. “
Since its inception in 2009, over 700 boys have gone through the Boyz2men program. This year, 160 boys enrolled in the community program from three different schools: John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School and Hope Academy.
“We know that some of the boys are missing strong male role models in their lives,” said Christopher Murray, the program's founder, who is a school counselor at John Gray High School.
“These experiences lead to a sense of brotherhood and working together to do something meaningful and proactive is uplifting for them. You learn new skills; They see the power of teamwork and are happy to give something back and help other people out. “
Murray thanked KFC for providing food and refreshments for the boys while they painted the house.
“I would also like to thank safety officers Cassius Murray and Simon Miller, who taught and guided the boys during the painting process,” Murray said.
“We recently had a father-son domino tournament and some of the boys don't have a father figure in their lives, and this was a lovely lady.
“We are always looking for more mentors. So if there is someone who wants to give back,” he added. “People who are serious. So if you can support Boys2men we would appreciate it. “
Murray explained that Boyz2men also has a fishing tournament coming up in February.
“We will be renting three boats for the All-Boys Extravaganza fishing trip. There will be prizes for the biggest fish and the most fish, so the costs add up. Any help we can get is always greatly appreciated. “
Murray said experiences like the fishing storms contribute to barriers between different cultures and nationalities.
“They are on the water together. Some of them are experiencing a trip on a boat for the first time, boys from Honduras and Cayman and Jamaica or wherever,” he said.
“They laugh together and improve their fishing skills and build bonds of friendship throughout this shared experience. The boys are really looking forward to it. “
If you are interested in Boyz2men, email Murray at [email protected]Call him at (345)329-0021 or call Simon Miller at (345) 928-8535. The organization is always looking for role models or donations to fund its programs.