A Philosophy of Meaningful Work!
Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 11:00PM Since its very beginning, Boys Republic has emphasized the role of meaningful work to cultivate in troubled youth the qualities of diligence, civic-mindedness and self reliance. Our founding motto, ”Nothing Without Labor,” provides the philosophical underpinnings for an evolving vocational program.
The vocational classes are an outgrowth of the agency’s early efforts to provide disadvantaged youth broad experience in community participation. Students gained a sense of responsibility to others through choosing meaningful work projects of vital interest to the Boys Republic community. The agency’s farming activities, carpenters shop, machine shop, and print shop were all geared toward promoting the youth community’s self sufficiency.
As much as possible, Boys Republic’s vocational classes emulate real life experience. Several classes are offered in conjunction with Baldy View Regional Occupational Program (ROP) where students earn industry recognized certificates for completion of the course. While learning good work habits, students follow a structured program that also teaches specific vocational skills. Each personal accomplishment is an important step toward responsible adulthood and self-reliance.