Page 14 - Education Supplement August Edition 2023

Teenage Boys’ Journeys of Discovery:

Insights from the Angus Lowe Experience

s a mother, watching my 19-year- of today’s teenagers. The challenges they face, amplified by the constant scrutiny of social
old Gen-Z son grapple with the media, can be overwhelming.
Acomplexities of adolescence and “To guide young men through these complexities, we need to be able to step into their
the onset of adulthood has been a journey shoes. We must also understand that this generation doesn’t accept just doing what they’re
filled with triumphs and trials. Along this told – they respond better to interactive, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences.”
journey, the importance of having a role
model who can provide guidance, support, Q: The Angus Lowe Experience integrates adventure-based learning, emotional fitness
and empowerment has become more development, and life skills. Can you unpack the benefits of this approach?
necessary than ever. A: “Adventure-based learning promotes resilience and self-confidence. We take teenagers
This is why I am pleased to introduce out of their comfort zones and into the bush, where they participate in outdoor adventures
you to Angus Lowe – an inspiring role and teamwork challenges.
model who has become a guiding light “The programme helps equip them with the emotional fitness they need to conquer
for my son and many other young men. adversity, navigating their emotions to work towards positive outcomes. The team dynamic
Angus’s unique programmes, centred builds healthy relationships and develops resilience. Our blend of practical life skills and
around adventure-based learning, emotional guidance equips them to handle life’s ups and downs and face the complexities
emotional fitness, and practical life skills, of adulthood. We balance the experiences out with a healthy mix of fitness, motivational
foster resilience and self-confidence in exercises, team challenges, and fun.”
the young men he takes under his wing,
equipping them to face adulthood with Q: Can you tell us more about how focusing on emotional fitness can help teenagers
determination and grace. handle challenging situations more effectively?
A: “Emotional fitness is about more than understanding emotions; it’s about managing
Q: Firstly, what exactly does the Angus them effectively, building healthy relationships, and developing the strength to face life’s
Lowe Experience entail? uncertainties. Sometimes, we don’t always get what we want and must accept ‘no’ for an
A: “We facilitate camps in the Kruger answer. This is an important life lesson.
Park and other world-class destinations, “Experiential learning helps the boys explore their emotions in a safe environment,
combining breathtaking wilderness guiding them in building positive mindsets, which are crucial for their journey through
adventures and transformative experiences. adolescence and beyond.”
“The experiences inspire young men
to unpack and understand the core values Q: What inspired you to create the Angus Lowe experience?
that are needed to make the best of life in A: “It wasn’t so much inspiration as aspiration that ignited this journey. I found purpose in
the modern world. sculpting a generation of young men who could inspire others in their communities and
“Our core focus is on values for worldwide. I always harboured a passion for helping children explore new, exciting facets of life.
modern men, helping them discover their “In our modern world, one of the most essential things for young men to learn is
own identities, finding their independence understanding their true selves. My aim was to facilitate this process of self-discovery,
and a sense of purpose. We impart real-life fostering young men’s growth into the best versions of themselves.”
skills that cultivate forward-thinking and
balance so they can succeed in their daily Q: What were some of the key challenges you faced when launching this initiative, and
lives.” how did you overcome them?
A: “Launching an initiative like this is always fraught with challenges, which can only be
Q: Could you share more about your surmounted with perseverance and determination. The logistics of the programme were
unique approach to mentorship and why particularly demanding. We had to think through and plan numerous details, and even then,
you believe it’s vital for today’s teenage we always encountered something unforeseen to learn from. The safety concerns around
boys? exposing young men to Big 5 game areas were significant. However, thorough discussions,
A: “Mentorship is about empathy and showcasing our stringent safety protocols, and letting people get to know me and our safety
understanding the world through the eyes plan helped allay these fears.

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