SOUTH REWARD--Some forty St. Dominic High School girls graduated from the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation-sponsored three-day Girl Power programme on Thursday. The programme aims to building self-esteem, self-empowerment and self values in young girls.The programme, which is operated in collaboration with Sector Health Care Affairs, with the motto "I refuse to engage in activities that can negatively change my life goals" focuses on empowering girls in the age group 13-18 with the knowledge to relay the values acquired to their peers.
Facilitator Cassilda van der Neut noted that many young girls have difficulty discussing certain issues pertaining to sexuality with their parents. Through the workshop facilitators empower and encourage the girls to become comfortable in having such conversations with their parents.
"We are very open; we allow them to ask questions and allow them to be down to earth about sexuality, self-esteem and self worth," said Van der Neut. "We balance information, so that they have a feeling about what is out there and they are able to prepare themselves not only for today, but also for the future. We discuss how their behaviour patterns can hinder their long-time goals."
Van der Neut noted that it had been decided to host the workshop during this period prior to the carnival season, when many young girls become vulnerable in the excitement of the period. "We want to carry out the programme right through carnival, instilling in the girls respect for their bodies," she said.
Facilitating the workshops were a psychologist, retirees, Sector Health Care representatives, peer educators and business community employees who were trained on the content of the Girl Power programme this year. An arrangement was made with employers to have their employees contribute their time to this worthy cause.
Peer educator Shandrika Arrindell (14), who graduated from the programme two years ago, assisted in facilitating the workshops as a community service project.
Commenting on her experience as a peer facilitator Arrindell said, "I decided to help out and make the experience wonderful for the other girls as well, so that they can learn from my experiences and be impacted in such a positive way as I was. Being honest with them will help them to make the right decisions."
The Girl Power programme will be carried out next at Learning Unlimited High School and thereafter at St. Maarten Academy PSVE.
