1233 ABC Newcastle, July 4, 2007
University academics from across the world have gathered in Newcastle for a two-day conference aimed at improving educational outcomes for boys.
The Working with Boys, Building Fine Men conference starts today, and will discuss a range of initiatives, including mentoring programs.
Guest speaker John Andriunas says he will highlight the success of his program which tries to get fathers more involved in their sons' schooling.
"Mums have been the care givers throughout the history of our children and they look after the kids right from birth right through preschool and school," he said.
"We don't want to take anything away from the mothers, but we have found that the educational outcomes, social outcomes for children if their fathers are involved are a lot higher."
