SPACE TO CHOOSE THE MARK YOU WANT TO MAKE ON THE WORLD.
Our Approach
What about the boys? In 2026, The Shona Project is continuing to develop a programme for boys with the aim of fostering open and honest conversations about masculinity, leadership, and power; and equipping young men with the skills and perspectives necessary to build respectful, inclusive communities.
The programme has just completed its first pilot year, pulling together best practice from our international colleagues, and is supported by existing research and our own robust evaluation framework. See details of the pilot evaluation in the sections below.
Our facilitators are experienced in youth work, receive specialist training, and are Garda vetted. They are supported by our team as well as mentors and advisors.
MARK has signed up to a set of principles for working with men and boys to help ensure our work contributes to ending violence against women and girls. Read them in detail, and see other organisations who have signed up here
What is MARK?
MARK is a school-based pilot programme developed by The Shona Project. It is a facilitated space where boys and young men can speak honestly about growing up today, without performance, pressure, or prescription. Many boys carry unspoken expectations around strength, success, sport, appearance and fitting in.
MARK shares the same values and credibility as The Shona Project, with a distinct approach designed specifically for boys and young men. The programme is designed around what we know works best for boys from existing research: safe, respectful environments that focus on strengths, identity and real-life experiences.
MARK is not about fixing boys or telling them what kind of men to be. Instead, it uses calm, age-appropriate discussion to help students reflect on the pressures they face, including peer expectations and online influence, and to recognise that they have choices in how they respond.
Why Now?
Schools increasingly recognise that many boys:
Carry unspoken pressures around strength, success, appearance and comparison
Are shaped by powerful peer, sporting and online narratives
Lack safe, structured spaces to speak honestly without judgment
MARK supports schools by:
Complementing existing SPHE, CSPE, Wellbeing, and Bí Cinealta Framework
Strengthening emotional literacy, empathy and peer understanding
Providing a calm, respectful space that boys engage with meaningfully
Our Pilot Evaluation
What did the students think of the MARK Pilot?
65% outlined a clear personal takeaway or intended change.
69% discovered something new about thoughts and pressures.
79% of those found the workshop engaging.
94% felt comfortable taking part and sharing their views.
72% better understood pressures boys face today.
80% said the facilitator helped them understand the topic.
In Their Own Words…
"It made me feel more confident about speaking about mental health"
"Other people had the same thoughts as me — I wasn't alone"
"I'll be more open and talk to people more going forward"
"I can reshape masculinity into something I like”
What did the Teachers think of the MARK Pilot?
100% want to re-engage with Mark, 83% want more than a one-off workshop.
92% found the workshop style appropriate and engaging for students.
100% found the topic relevant to their students.
100% teachers confirmed MARK aligned with at least one of the key school frameworks; SPHE, Wellbeing, Bí Cineálta
In Their Own Words…
“A handful definitely got some things off their chest that maybe they hadn’t before.”
“I believe it was eye-opening for many of the boys, they may never have touched on this topic before.”
“The facilitator managed to keep the group quiet and engaged, when they’re usually rowdy.”
