Background
The Nurturing Healthy Masculinity program at Lyndale Secondary College focuses on fostering healthy relationships and challenging harmful gender stereotypes among young men.
The program commenced in term four, 2023, and continued in 2024. To build on the successes and relationships formed in the previous term, the program aimed to improve emotional literacy, promote healthy relationships, and challenge harmful ideas of masculinity among the participants.
Key Activities
South East Community Links collaborated with Jesuit Social Services’ At-Risk Youth Program to create a culturally safe space for discussions and learning. The Manbox study was a key tool in guiding the development of this program.
The 8-week program involved nearly 20 boys from multicultural backgrounds, combining classroom discussions and soccer workshops.
Jesuit Social Services provided capacity-building training and support for staff involved in the program including South East Community Links, Melbourne City Football Club and the school’s wellbeing team. Key activities were:
- Classroom discussions on gender, respect, and emotions
- Soccer workshops to reinforce positive attitudes
- End-of-term celebration involving parents for a community-wide approach.
Additionally, there was strong interest in hearing from male role models who have overcome various challenges while growing up as men in Australia. A guest speaker was invited to share his personal journey of navigating life in Australia as a person of colour, facing peer pressure, making life and career decisions and seeking support for mental health issues.
Outcomes
Participants reported a better understanding of how gender stereotypes impact their thinking, feelings and actions.
Participants reported feeling more confident in understanding their emotions
Participants gained a better understanding of gender stereotypes
Participants felt more confident to reach out for asking for help when they feel distressed or anxious.
Participants reported a better knowledge about services that can support them.
Participants reported a better understanding of respect
This program is funded by the Victorian Government’s Supporting Multicultural and Faith-Based Communities to Prevent Family Violence.