Pathways helps boys become men

New, independent research1 shows that attendees of Pathways to Manhood programmes score better than their peers across a range of key factors that impact on their happiness and wellbeing.

The research, which was undertaken by Stancombe Research & Planning, reveals that Pathways to Manhood boys are more likely to have stronger relationships with their fathers, be more motivated to setgoals and to finish school, be more confident and have greater respect for women.

The award winning2 Pathways to Manhood programmes take place at five day camps attended by groups of 12-15 year old boys and their fathers or male mentors.

Dr. Arne Rubinstein, Chief Executive Officer of the Pathways Foundation, said the research confirmed that the value of the Pathways to Manhood programmes is enduring.

"In the days and weeks following the Pathways to Manhood programmes, we get overwhelmingly positivefeedback from the boys, their fathers and their mothers saying that it has made a difference to their lives.We wanted to learn if the impact was sustained. This independent, quantitative research surveyed boyswho attended the programme between one to three years ago and non-Pathways boys of a similar age. Pathways boys surveyed are doing better than their peers and overwhelmingly say they’ve benefited and recommend others to attend our programmes," said Dr. Rubinstein.

Of the boys surveyed who attended Pathways to Manhood programmes:
· 79 per cent said they benefited from the camp;
· 81 per cent said it would benefit other boys their own age to attend;
· 78 per cent said the programme improved their relationship with their fathers.

Of the fathers surveyed (of boys who attended Pathways to Manhood programmes):
· 94 per cent said they would recommend the Pathways to Manhood camps to friends and family;
· 85 per cent said the camp had a positive impact on their relationship with their sons.

"Improving the father/son relationship is a key component in helping most young men achieve their full potential, so we’re delighted that the research shows overwhelmingly that there is a sustained improvement as a result of the Pathways to Manhood programme", said Dr. Rubinstein.

Research conducted by Stancombe Research and Planning, commissioned by the Pathways Foundation conducted Dec 2006 - February 2007. Surveyed x boys, y of whom attended a Pathways to Manhood programme, 2 Social Ventures inaugural Big Boost Competition 2002 .

 Dr. Rubinstein said the overall aim of Pathways to Manhood programmes is to help the evolution from ‘boy psychology’ to ‘healthy man psychology’.

"Boy psychology is characterised by the individual seeking acknowledgement, thinking he is the centre of the universe, will live for ever, is ruled by his emotions, won’t accept responsibility for his actions and wants his mother."

"Healthy man psychology is characterised by the individual charting his own course, recognizing the world doesn’t revolve around him, realizing he is mortal, understanding and taking responsibility for the consequences of his actions and seeking to establish equitable relationships with women."

"Every indigenous society had a rite of passage to recognize the shift from boyhood to manhood and allow the men to honour and accept the boys into their community. At Pathways we aim to recreate that rite of passage," said Dr. Rubinstein.

Dr. Rubinstein said the challenge for the Pathways Foundation was to ensure that every boy in Australia has the opportunity to experience the Pathways to Manhood programme.

"Over a thousand Australian boys have been through The Pathways to Manhood programmes in the ten years they’ve been running. The challenge we face is to find and train more qualified facilitators and secure more funding to allow us to continue to expand."

"We recently pioneered a Pathways to Womanhood programme and we intend to roll out this programme rapidly too. We want to ensure that Pathways is available as every boys ‘rite’ to be a man and every girl’s ‘rite’ to be a woman," said Dr. Rubinstein.

Key findings of the Stancombe Research were that there was a statistically significant improvement in the Pathways attendees (compared to other Australian boys) in the following areas:
· Stronger relationships with their fathers
· More confident communication and social skills
· Greater respect for women
· More motivated to set goals
· Improved attitude towards finishing school
· Greater desire to participate in and give back to the community.

 Pathways general information
The Pathways Foundation (Pathways) is a registered harm prevention charity with the aim being to improve the health and well-being of young men and women around Australia.

Pathways aims to bring out the potential in youth and have them full of hope and inspiration as they look to the future. Pathways programs work to prevent underachievement, depression and family disconnection turning into the long-term social problems of substance abuse and the tragedy of youth suicide. By improving parent-child relationships and increasing self-esteem of youth in our communities now, we will have better parents, husbands, wives and leaders in the future.

With many Australian fathers struggling to spend enough time with their kids, youth depression and drug and alcohol abuse on the rise, Pathways Programs are more relevant than ever before. The Pathways vision is to have these programs available for every boy and girl in Australia and provide sustainable, ongoing mentoring and support.

The flagship program -Pathways to Manhood (PTM) -is award winning2 and has been running for ten years. This five day camp has fathers and sons aged 11-16 working towards strengthening their bond, having fun, honouring and acknowledging each other, looking at what it means to have respectful mother-son relationships and facilitating the vital ‘Rites of Passage’ for boys to confidently and safely enter adulthood. Over 1,000 boys and their fathers have been through Pathways programs since 1995.

The Pathways to Manhood programs are national and run in 8 regions across Australia. Pathways is now expanding into regionally and economically disadvantaged areas and running pilot programs for Mothers and Daughters with the aim being for a national roll out.

Other Pathways Programs include:

Young Stars: A fun, adventure filled weekend for boys 6 to 10 years old, camping with dads in a bush setting that encourages fathers to be active rather than absent in their boy’s life.

Leadership Development: A 4 day residential training program which gives men an opportunity to critically assess their lives in order to become better leaders on a personal, family, work and community level.

Mother and Daughter Program: Based on similar philosophies of the boys program. Mothers and daughters will be surrounded by a supportive community, be acknowledged and heard, appreciated and instilled with confidence and self worth. Currently in the pilot stage, with the first camp scheduled for November 2006.

It is the policy of Pathways that no one misses out on programs due to financial constraints. Pathways has scholarships, subsidies, and payment plans available and gives financial support to nearly 40% of participating families.

To enquire about a Pathways programme in your area, to learn more about becoming a facilitator or to make a donation visit www.pathwaysfoundation.com.au