This week, hundreds of frontline professionals across Prince Edward Island are participating in a training session that focuses on engaging boys and encouraging healthy relationships, says Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Valerie Docherty.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Kaufman bring his expertise to service providers and policy makers on this issue,” said Minister Docherty. “This session will equip both government and non-government personnel with training that will result in long-term positive impacts for all Islanders – boys and girls, men and women.”
The training session, entitled What About the Boys? Positive Engagement, is hosted by the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention Youth Education Working Group (PAC YEWG) and delivered by Dr. Michael Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman is an expert on the importance of promoting the emotional health of boys, as well as engaging men and boys in the advancement of gender equality in an effort to end violence against women.
The goal of the training session is to educate professionals about the impact society’s perception of manhood has on the emotional health and well-being of boys, as well as to encourage strong relationships and healthy masculinity.
Training attendees include provincial government employees, as well as community agencies such as Women’s Network PEI, Family Service PEI, PEI Family Violence Prevention Services, Family Resource Centres, and the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre.
Dr. Michael Kaufman also delivered his training session at the Prince Edward Island Teacher’s Federation conference earlier this week.
“Island teachers can help convey important messages about emotional health and positive relationships in their classrooms,” said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Alan McIsaac. “The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is committed to working with all stakeholders to offer timely and engaging professional development opportunities. The goal is to improve student achievement in a welcoming environment.”
Training session sponsors include the Premiers Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention, Interministerial Women’s Secretariat, the Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, Health PEI, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and the Department of Justice and Public Safety. With the support of the provincial government, the PEI Teacher’s Federation and Canadian Union of Public Employees, this training was provided free of charge to government and non-governmental organization employees.
For more information about Dr. Michael Kaufman and the training he provides, visit www.michaelkaufman.com.
Backgrounder
Dr. Michael Kaufman, of Toronto, Ontario, is an educator and writer focussed on the importance of promoting the emotional health of boys, as well as engaging men and boys in the advancement of gender equality in an effort to end violence against women.
He is the co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign, the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women.