Why I founded the BRAVE programme

Jun 23, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

Much has been said about programmes for men, but less attention is given to the question of how we engage men in ways that recognise their agency, potential, and capacity for growth. That question is why I founded and designed the BRAVE Programme. I reached out to the ministry, sharing this idea. The ministry did not reach out to me with the idea to develop. I designed BRAVE to engage men and young men where they are and as they are at the moment, they enter the programme. It was designed to facilitate meaningful conversations, share experiences, and create opportunities to learn and grow from one another through reflection, dialogue, and mutual support.

BRAVE was never based on assumptions that men are inherently violent, emotionally unaware, or future risks to be managed. Nor was it built on the premise that men must first be viewed as problems before they can be supported. It was never about reducing gender-based violence although this is one of the topics we address as men see fit to address it. Instead, BRAVE was designed to strengthen self-awareness, critical thinking, self- reflection, and personal development planning.

The programme encourages men to examine the beliefs and assumptions that shape their lives, relationships, and aspirations. It challenges them to ask whether those beliefs serve their long-, medium-, and short-term goals and, if they choose, to replace them with perspectives that better support the lives they wish to build. At its heart, BRAVE is about accountability, self-determination, purpose, and growth.

When I received an email informing me that I would no longer be engaged in the programme, it was unexpected and disappointing. However, my commitment has always been to the vision rather than the position.

I am grateful to the many men and others who reached out with encouragement and who continue to support the original vision of BRAVE. To the fathers and soon-to-be fathers from our facilitation group, I extend a heartfelt Happy Father’s Day. Continue practicing the principles of reflection, responsibility, and growth in your personal and professional lives. Those principles remain worth carrying forward.

Regards,

Rawle A. Small

Founder, The BRAVE Programme

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