Girls mentoring programme launched
(CNS Local Life): Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Cayman Islands, in partnership with John Gray High School (JGHS), has launched a new group-mentoring programme for young females: “Go Girls!”. The initiative, designed for girls ages 11-13, focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem.
The goal is to help young women build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life, said a BBBS press release.
“We are very excited to be partnering with JGHS for this new initiative. Life for all young people is becoming more and more complex,” said Jacqueline Schofield, BBBS programme director. “BBBS is continually looking for ways to help the youth of Cayman cope with these increasing pressures and become more resilient when faced with the challenges of growing up in today’s society.”
Social pressures for girls to be perfect are at an all-time high, stated the press release. “Young women face difficult statistics, including the fact that girls’ self-esteem typically peaks at the age of nine and only 14% of girls in year 10 say they are self-confident (according to “Healthy Settings for Young People in Canada, 2008” by the Public Health Agency of Canada),” the release said. The programme aims to help young women overcome these pressures by building the necessary confidence and self-awareness to thrive in a media- and technology-driven world.
The objectives of Go Girls! are to help young females:
- Learn the tools and information they need to lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Enhance their competence, confidence and self-esteem regarding active living and healthy eating
- Build their leadership and life skills
The programme is being piloted at JGHS, with the hope to roll it out to other schools “in the near future”. It comprises seven weekly mentoring sessions held after school within school facilities. Each 1.5-hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
“JGHS have been so enthused about Go Girls! from the start, as have our female mentor volunteers,” said Schofield. “We know that with our mentors and the support of the staff at JGHS we are going to make a big impact on the girls in the programme.”
For more information about becoming a mentor go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website or contact them by emailing info@bbbs.ky or through social media @bbbscayman
Category: Youth
