WILLEMSTAD - 'The Rite Journey' and 'Gentlemen club' were recognized as the 3rd Margaret Star Winner on last Saturday during the 19th Annual Female Leadership Conference in Curaçao.
This star goes to a young person who is ambitious and who is active in a way that he or she can be identified as a future leader.
Initiator and teacher Stephan Simmon received the price that includes a statue and an envelope.
'The Rite Journey' and 'Gentlemen club' are two unique educational programs designed to support the development of self-aware, vital, responsible and resilient adults. Given the current lack of Rites of Passage in the Western World, young people are left to invent their own, which are often unhealthy and unsafe.
Given the fact that young boys don't have a clear moment in which they transition into manhood these programs mark the inauguration of their first official steps into manhood.
Stephan Simmon said that the western culture doesn't give much attention to this transition, which makes lots of young boys grow confused and asking themselves: am I already a man?!
The young boys are being coached to learn the basics in life; for example: how to manage and communicate your thoughts and emotions; how to give a proper handshake; how to tie a tie and how to survive in the wilderness.
The first Margaret Star winner Leonsy Curie introduced the price with the request for young people to be and to stay ambitious.
The 'Margaret Star' is in honor of the late conference participant and loyal supporter from start since 2004, Margaret Justina-Janse (1969-2019) who actively shared the vision to have empowering activities for girls and women.
Her support, encouragement, vision and dedication to the success of the conferences are highly appreciated.
On the picture Stephan Simmon of 'The Rite Journey' and 'Gentlemen club' receiving the 3rd Margaret Star.