On Saturday, June 11th the Universal Wellness program commemorated a year of hard work and determination at the “Pearls of Wisdom” and “From Boys to Men” closing ceremony. The event which welcomed family, friends and program supporters included public speaking and original poetry performances by the seventh and eighth grade participants.
“Pearls of Wisdom” and “From Boys to Men” are unique out-of-school time life skills, leadership, and self-esteem development programs for adolescents ages twelve to fourteen. What began over twenty-five years ago as a course on etiquette education focusing on refinement and social protocol, has since expanded to include health education and life skills training important for every young adult.
The program meets weekly from October through June with enrollment beginning in September. Participants gather every other Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM for program instruction, and after school weekly for community service projects. Recreational and educational trips are also incorporated into the curriculum!
The programs are designed for a two year involvement. Youth receive a financial stipend and gift awarded to them upon successful completion of the program. Nutritious lunch is provided on Saturdays and snacks are provided after school. Qualifying participants are also placed in summer job and internship positions.
Participants in their second year of each program shared tributes to inspirational men and women. These role models included First Lady Michelle Obama, Sonia Sanchez, Faatimah Gamble, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois, Kenneth Gamble and A. Rahim Islam to name a few.
First year “Pearls of Wisdom” and “From Boys to Men” participants shared what they enjoyed most about the programs which encompassed lessons on social etiquette, health and wellness, character development and life skills training. One of the favorite lessons of the “From Boys to Men” program was decision making. Graduates of the YouthBuild Charter School spoke with the young men about the impact that decisions have on ones’ life, both positive and negative. Apollonia Shayne Hopper, a first year “Pearls of Wisdom” participant, shared, “I’ve learned how to be more of a young lady. By that I mean that I have a whole new view on having respect for myself.”
Each youth program had two facilitators who acted not only as instructors but also mentors. Ms. Jeri Johnson, M.S. Ed., co-facilitator of “Pearls of Wisdom” expressed that, “This program is a gift to the community! Every pearl is cultivated in obscurity but when it emerges, it manifests a treasure. This same discovery unfolded for each participant as they grew from week-to-week. It has been my honor to work with these precious young ladies.”
Mr. Ameen Akbar, lead facilitator of the “From Boys to Men” program, spoke about the importance of mentorship and building communities for the next generation. Mr. Akbar inspired the crowd with a Greek proverb to live by, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
Universal’s leaders, Mrs. Faatimah Gamble, Mr. Kenneth Gamble and Mr. Rahim Islam echoed the importance of character development in their heartfelt addresses to the graduates. Mrs. Faatimah Gamble is the creator of both programs and has dedicated much of her time ensuring that the young people of the community experience amazing opportunities.
Universal Companies is excited to expand “Pearls of Wisdom” and “From Boys to Men” to Universal Bluford Charter School and Universal Daroff Charter School next year! For more information about these programs including youth enrollment, volunteer opportunities or sponsoring a youth’s participation, please contact Deana Woodall at (215) 732-1372.
