Croydon Black Boys Can (which launched on 17th March 2007) is a non-profit local community franchise of National Black Boys Can Association. National Black Boys Can Association is the umbrella organisation for a network of local community-led Black Boys Can projects across the United Kingdom.
The Honourable Lord William Morris of Handsworth OJ is the Patron of National Black Boys Can Association and states:
“The education system in the UK has been failing black boys for years. It has been recognised that a sound education offers benefits to young people that exceed financial prospects. Educational qualifications and a full and positive learning experience can provide a route to a future that is rich in social, intellectual and experiential opportunities that they deserve.”
According to the Local Education Authorities, young black boys of African and Caribbean decent are leaving secondary education with less than average qualifications and are far more likely to be excluded from school than their white counterparts.
Croydon Black Boys Can has been set up as a direct response to the national and local challenge. The project is run by a team of committed and dedicated professional volunteer workers who invest their free time to bring about positive change in the local community.
Mission
We aim to empower boys to maximise their full academic and social potential and become respectable, successful men of tomorrow.
Vision
To see boys develop their skills, talents and academic abilities to become positive future leaders and role models in our society.
Values
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We are committed to promoting a positive self-image of black boys and to encourage and support their educational success.
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We operate on sound ethical and biblical principles, practice integrity and pursue excellence in all our affairs.
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Whilst the Croydon Black Boys Can project is specifically targeted at black boys, we promote equal opportunities, diversity and mutual respect in all our relationships and welcome the positive contributions anyone can make to the project irrespective of their gender or race.
Aim
To build partnerships with boys, parents/carers, schools and the community in order to raise the academic and social aspirations/achievements of black boys aged 9-16 years.
Boys Statement of Entitlement
Each boy will have the opportunity to:
- Develop a sense of security in terms of a strong sense of self-worth, with an understanding of who ‘he’ is and where he fits into the social world around him.
- Understand how he is different from others in looks and character and how he can also have things in common with others.
- See things from another person’s perspective and develop an understanding of how they might see him.
- Learn respect and tolerance for other people’s views and build a measure of independence and self-motivation.
- Develop the ability to express emotions appropriately rather than deny or repress them or act in an inappropriate way.
- Develop a mastery over his own life and the confidence to meet challenges as and when they arise by people who have an understanding of the cultures of black people.
- Be taught by positive black male role models.
- Understanding that he has some control on how he behaves and develop and the respect he shows to others.
- Develop positive strategies for coping with racism, peer pressure and other unexpected challenges.
In addition each boy will be:
- Treated fairly
- Treated with respect
- Listened to, and
- Valued
What do we expect in return?
- Boys to adhere to the values, policies and procedures of the programme,
- Regular and timely attendance,
- A willingness to enjoy the programme and a desire to aim to fulfil their individual potential.
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