Every Male Matters
June 2008
Haircut Sir? Celebrity Barber Patrick Phipps gives students a demonstration of grooming and barbering techniques at Lambeth College's 'Every Male Matters' event in June.
Lambeth College hosted a unique event in June to celebrate the positive contribution made by men to the family unit and to promote these contributions to younger male students in the College. For the past few years issues relating to absent fathers across many cultures, but particularly in the Afro Caribbean community, have been making the headlines. The rise in teen pregnancies, street crime and under achievement in both education and careers have all been linked to the lack of positive father figures and role models in the lives of young people.
One of the special guests at the event was Alistair Martey from Barnardo's ‘Baby Father Initiative’ who talked to students about fatherhood and played them a short film centring on young dads in the UK and their concerns and frustrations of being fathers. Alistair then encouraged students to discuss the film and how the issues it raised related to themselves and their peers.
Alistair Martey (left) from Barnardo's talked to students about the serious business of fatherhood at the event.
Amongst the other events taking place on the day were a classical Indian drumming display by our very own J, an A Level student based at Clapham Centre, who provided the entertainment; a seminar by Oscar Isaac from ‘Positive Parenting and Childcare’ who offered advice about parenting and positive ways for men to participate in the care of children; and a Barbering Workshop hosted by fashion designer and celebrity barber Patrick Phipps. Patrick is the founder of fashion label ‘Funkkwest’ and the proud owner of ‘Cut Above’ a celebrated men’s barbershop in London’s East End. Several students attending the event were treated to a free haircut and t-shirt for their efforts in making the event a success.
Student J entertained the audience with a magnificent display of classical Indian drumming and stuck around to take part in some of the other events too.
Pamela Hammond, one of the event organisers said: “With all the negative press young men are receiving in these times we wanted to use this opportunity to address the issues which are giving rise to dangerous stereotyping and low self-esteem. Young men need to know that they are appreciated and valued. Their success and achievements in life are important to us all and we should take all young people seriously.”
