Page 21 - IFV Issue 10 October 2023

Lifestyle

with the emotional fitness they need always harboured a passion for helping great times, fostering self-understanding
to conquer adversity, navigating their children explore new, exciting facets of life. and agility.
emotions to work towards positive “In our modern world, one of the most “The feedback we’ve received has
outcomes. The team dynamic builds essential things for young men to learn been overwhelmingly positive. The
healthy relationships and develops is understanding their true selves. My widespread support and enthusiasm for
resilience. Our blend of practical life skills aim was to facilitate this process of self- our programmes genuinely heartens me.”
and emotional guidance equips them to discovery, fostering young men’s growth
handle life’s ups and downs and face the into the best versions of themselves.” Q: Your programmes also place
complexities of adulthood. We balance a lot of emphasis on practical
the experiences out with a healthy mix Q: What were some of the key leadership training. Can you
of fitness, motivational exercises, team challenges you faced when explain the thinking behind this
challenges, and fun.” launching this initiative, and how and share any success stories?
did you overcome them? A: “The essence of leadership cannot
Q: Can you tell us more about how A: “Launching an initiative like this is be confined to a university degree.
focusing on emotional fitness can always fraught with challenges, which can True leadership – the ability to guide
help teenagers handle challenging only be surmounted with perseverance and inspire people – is learned through
situations more effectively? and determination. The logistics of the trial, error, feedback, and thoughtful
A: “Emotional fitness is about more program were particularly demanding. We reflection.
than understanding emotions; it’s about had to think through and plan numerous “We’ve witnessed profound
managing them effectively, building details, and even then, we always transformations among young men
healthy relationships, and developing encountered something unforeseen to who initially struggled with personal
the strength to face life’s uncertainties. learn from. The safety concerns around relationships. Through gaining self-
Sometimes, we don’t always get what we exposing young men to Big 5 game areas understanding and insightful feedback,
want and must accept ‘no’ for an answer. were significant. However, thorough they’ve developed into leaders at their
This is an important life lesson. discussions, showcasing our stringent schools and improved their home
“Experiential learning helps the safety protocols, and letting people get to interactions.”
boys explore their emotions in a safe know me and our safety plan helped allay
environment, guiding them in building these fears. Q: Why did you choose to include
positive mindsets, which are crucial for life skills workshops in your
their journey through adolescence and Q: Your programmes have a programmes, and why do you
beyond.” distinctive focus on adventure- think these are often overlooked in
based learning. How did you arrive traditional educational settings?
Q: What inspired you to create the at this approach, and what has the A: “Life skills encompasses practical
Angus Lowe experience? feedback been like? abilities like changing a car tyre and
A: “It wasn’t so much inspiration as A: “Adventure is the portal to self- cooking, but also emotional intelligence
aspiration that ignited this journey. I discovery. It’s surprising how many – like responding constructively to
found purpose in sculpting a generation young men don’t have the opportunity feedback or staying true to your values.
of young men who could inspire others to embrace their adventurous side. Traditional education often overlooks
in their communities and worldwide. I Adventure exposes us to challenging and these skills because it’s unable to

The Villager • Issue 10 2023 • 19