Verol A. Billet, Associate Clinical Psychologist interacting with students of Mico Practising Primary at the Women's Leadership Initiative's (WLI) "Conversations With Boys" workshop at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on January 15, 2025.
The Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) continued its mission of fostering positive change with its latest "Conversations With Boys" (CWB) workshop on January 15, 2025, at Talk of the Town, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. This transformative event created a safe, interactive space for Grade 6 boys from Mico Practising Primary and Junior High School to explore critical life issues and shape their aspirations for the future.
Since its inception in 2018, the ‘Conversations With Boys’ programme has exemplified WLI’s commitment to nurturing young minds. On January 15, 2025, WLI marked a significant milestone by having engaged 222 boys from Mico Practicing Primary over the years, showcasing both the continuity of the initiative and the organization’s dedication to the project and the school. As highlighted in the Chair’s remarks, this continuity underscores WLI’s enduring commitment to shaping Jamaica’s future society.
Led by Verol A. Billet, Associate Clinical Psychologist, the boys openly explored key topics such as respect for women and girls, bullying, peer pressure, the dangers of substance abuse, and empathy. The interactive discussions encouraged the boys to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how to navigate these issues positively.
A highlight of the event was the new segment, ‘2025: Thinking for the Future’, which focused on financial literacy. Oshane Allen, Wealth Advisor at GK Mutual Funds, shared practical, age-appropriate advice on early money management and introduced the boys to potential career opportunities in the financial sector.