Registered charity, Generating Genius, is setting up a science centre for bright boys in poor and challenging circumstances.

The innovative model will be a long-term sustainable programme, working with more than 100 students each Saturday and using science and technology as the key motivational driver.

The programme will seek boys aged around 14 and work with them on big science skills, like robotics, forensic science and recycling of electronic scrap into FM radios. Boys are also taught how to be gentlemen and how to avoid conflict.

The science centre is a three-year programme which will, hopefully, assist the boys to attain tertiary education or other productive training.

Engaging males

The programme had its beginnings as a residential boys summer school based at the University of the West Indies. The new efforts will widen the intake and run the programme regularly on weekends.

The five-year activity has given Generating Genius a set of methodologies in how to best engage young males, using science and technology.

The new charity board, headed by Muna Issa of Superclubs, aims in the long run to have a science centre for boys in every parish.

Director of the programme, Dr Tony Sewell, said the plan was to take the programme out of the university and base it in local communities.

Emancipation

"This programme teaches our young men how to emancipate their minds," Sewell said. "We are using science and technology as a tool to create a new Jamaican male who will not be a 'slave' to his instincts, but will use his innate creativity to cultivate his mind and emotions so that he can become a better citizen."

He said there was evidence to show that the science centre model could significantly reduce violent male crime in the future.

The launch of the Generating Genius science centres will take place during the presentation event of this year's summer school. The theme is 'Green Technology: From Waste to wealth'. The public is invited to be part of the competition as the boys display their cutting-edge research and innovation.

Guest speaker will be Dr Barbara Gloudon.

Viewing of work will take place at noon, July 27, at the Rex Nettleford Multi-purpose room, Rex Nettleford Hall, UWI.