By THEA RUTHERFORD, NG National Correspondent, thea@nasguard.com

Coming at a time when more organizations and institutions are placing an increased emphasis on developing positive activities for the youth, the Guidance Department of Queen's College will host an all-male seminar for its boys on Wednesday, April 23.

"From Boys to Men," the seminar's theme is expected to come alive as the fathers of the students join the event. Fathers and sons will spend the school day in workshops hosted by Dr. Woodley Thompson, Pastor Dave Burrows, Charles Sealey, Dr. David Allen and Chief Superintendent of Police Hulan Hanna.

"I believe that such an event is important because it helps us as a nation," said Rev. Cleveland Wells, a guidance counselor at the school.

"I believe the weaker our young men are the weaker our nation would be, because God has truly called our men to take the forefront and if by chance we're not doing all that God has called us to do then our nation itself becomes a weaker nation."

In a letter sent to the male high school students, Vivian Brown, head of the school's Guidance Department, outlined the objectives of the event. They are: "to help our male students to successfully resolve personal concerns which may be impeding their progress at home and school; to assist our male students to develop coping skills to deal with the challenges associated with males and to expose our young men to other positive, responsible men in our country."

Wells thought the school day a particularly opportune time to hold the seminar.

"I believe that the school is really a gold mine during the day," he said. "It's where all of our young men and all of our young women are located from the hours of 8:00 to 3:00; it's the environment where they will all be present and so we are able to impact them."

The guidance counselor hopes that the event will become an annual one. He also hopes to see a similar seminar for female students.

"As a nation we need to learn how to take advantage of what is already in front of us and use transformative measures to transform the minds of our young men and young women."