New program B2M seeks to define maturity

In 2017, Aaron Zhong (9C), along with the help of his friend Leo Feng from Shanghai High School International Division, launched his educational program Boy to Man (B2M). The main purpose of B2M is to provide assistance to students who, because of learning disabilities or other struggles, have trouble with grades and maintaining balanced relationships in their life. “This project,” Aaron stated, “focuses on the growth of male teenagers. [We’re helping] to prepare [them] for a successful career and life.”

B2M was born from Aaron’s curiosity about the line boys had to cross to become men and what made one different from the other; in short, how to define maturity in males. He set out to answer this question with a new program that would try to understand and help those boys who struggled in the system. Along the way, he encountered many whom he saw would benefit greatly from such a program. In Hainan, Aaron visited a juvenile detention center in order to gain more understanding about troubled youths. In addition, he and his friend, Leo, also paid visits to schools which catered especially to the needs of children with a wide range of disabilities and interviewed many students enrolled there. In Hubei, Aaron and Leo went to a village school, which are often underfunded, and interviewed many underprivileged students. They were able to offer solutions to those students, giving them tips on how to become motivated learners and to take advantage of their education and thus setting about the start of B2M.

However, this is only the beginning of a process. “We are going to keep…researching about ways to [help] problem students from normal and special schools,” Aaron said. Referring back to what happened with the village school students in Hubei, he expressed that B2M would be creating solutions that corresponded to the area in which the student was struggling in, whether it be his grades, his family, or his friendships. The program will also be interviewing people who have managed to overcome their problems, role models who could help others clear the same hurdles. 

While B2M is still in its infant stages, with its main goals being recruiting more members and figuring out its future direction, Aaron harbors big hopes for the program. He aims to expand beyond SMIC-I, into Shanghai and other cities. Students, especially those in the public school system, have long been obstructed by financial reasons, lack of available resources, or simple ignorance, to ask for the help they need. Aaron’s plan, if realized, will make big ripples, particularly in rural areas. “The program is small now,” Aaron admitted, “but it’s still very special and meaningful to help different kinds of people.” He added, “If you’re interested in how to become more successful, and if you want to help students who are struggling, please join us.”

Featured Image – A boy in distress Photo Courtesy of Bing

by Esther Wu