YOUNG boys in the Leigh area can learn how to be "a man" in a new rites of passage programme that will challenge macho behaviour.

The programme, launched in the town this month, is being piloted in five schools in the area including Kingshill, Westleigh, Bedford and Higher Folds and aims to target boys' behavioural problems in the classroom between the ages of 9 to 13.

"The aim of the programme is to raise attainment and reduce behavioural problems," said Dr Richard Majors, who has developed the scheme along with Stephen Clark of the Wigan education psychology department.

According to Dr Majors the scheme, organised by the education action zone and sponsored by the Wigan education psychology department, is much needed as macho attitudes and negative peer groups have led to boys underachieving in schools.

"Boys are not performing up to GCSE scores," said Dr Majors, a fellow at Manchester University. "83 per cent of excluded children are boys. Boys are more likely to truant than girls and are more likely to be labelled."

The programme called "mantra" is modelled on rites of passages that many societies have to guide and train young boys in how to be men. It will consist of groups of about six boys meeting up regularly over a 16-week period where they will discuss their development and how to live out their lives, and will be mentored by elders in the community.

"Its about becoming a man and teaching boys about their responsibility to their school and society," said Dr Majors. "Over the 16 weeks the course will deconstruct masculinity. One of the areas we will deal with is perceptions of women and we'll talk to the boys about the way to talk to and respect women.

"In the sessions we will deal with issues around violence to men and women, anger management and disrespect issues. We want to teach boys how to resolve conflict and walk away without resorting to violence and yet still keeping their respect. We will also deal with fatherhood and help boys see that anger is no way to resolve conflict with Dad.

"We aim to raise self esteem, challenge macho behaviour and provide strong role models. In one of the excercises boys will take on the names of people they admire and try to live up to the names."

The scheme has already enjoyed success in the United States and in the first session held in Leigh Dr Majors said the response from the boys was positive. "We held a session at Kingshill and it was excellent," he added. "The boys were very enthusiastic and I would also like to add the Kingshill headteacher Mike Myerscough has been instrumental in putting this programme together." Boys will develop in the sessions through completing questionnaires, role plays and written exercises adapted to their youth culture.

"We'll even have a special handshake of the brotherhood," added Dr Majors. "We're proud to have this in Leigh, its a community that will support this." Calling all elders Dr Majors is looking for members of the community to act as "elders/ mentors" to the boys taking part in the scheme

"We are looking for people who can provide support and attend meetings for a short period of time," said Dr Majors. "We are hoping each of the 20-25 boys taking part will be able to have his own mentor, or if that's not possible at least one elder for each group.

"Training will be provided. Those interested might not be experienced. Its more important they have nurturing and caring skills."

Anybody wanting to get involved should contact Dr Majors at the education action zone office on 01942 404080.