How can I enhance confidence building work with adolescent girls in slums?

Question

I am working in a slum in a city. Have just started a new initiative, where we are trying to work on building their confidence, expose them to skill-development activities, and in effect, just facilitate a support group among the girls themselves. Long term, I hope for the girls in the group to be able to understand and prevent domestic violence, make informed decisions about their life, pursue their careers and see a positive change in their thinking, attitude, personality. Until now, I have been encouraging games that involve physical activity, and also starting hobby classes, so that they have a sense of childhood and fun. also took them for a city tour on a bus for a whole day.soon, they will get training in dance and also performing arts.trying to help them with studies little bit. Not exactly going the charity way, it simply aims to be an empowering initiative.

Anyone got more ideas that could enhance this initiative and be make it more fun??

p.s. 1. the membership is soaring with every new meeting.

2. i do not wish to mention the city or name of organization etc, but just want to say that we are based in an Indian metro city. this is so that your answers are oriented bearing this fact in mind.

Answer 1

Have them write a song which includes their poetry. Ask them to write about honor and self respect and put it into poems, then form a song. Have them stand up and sing it together, with a flute and drum.

Ask them each to find a female role model. They can be someone in sports or an artist or just someone they know, and ask them to express this through a letter, a song, flute and drums, a poem, a dance, or an expression of gratitude toward that person.

Another thing you could look into is cheerleading chants and dances, along with strong, confidence building words and moves.

Also, twirling very long colorful scarves to powerful, energetic or peaceful music may be good. I've seen it done in religious ceremonies by high school age girls.

Give each child a personal index card with their own "I am worthy" statement on it to carry with them, which includes their name.  Laminate it so they can look back on it years to come.

When it comes to positive thinking and positive attitude, here is something that I am learning today. Whenever you have a negative (painful) thought about a situation, always think of the best thing that could happen in that situation. (Then, expect it to happen.)

I found this in a book called Peace Pilgrim, page 143. There is a Peace Pilgrim website, which offers the book for free.

The exact quote is here: " If it is a negative thought about a person, dwell upon a good thing about that person. If it is a negativethought about a (world) situation, dwell upon the best that could happen in that situation."- Peace Pilgrim (That is her official name.) There is information about her on the website. http://www.peacepilgrim.com/

Have them write down during the day in a notebook a negative thought they are having about a situation. Then have them look at the quote above, and think of the best that could happen in that situation, and write that down. As an experiment, ask them if it made them feel better, more hopeful and confident!

Another thing to consider is introducing them to the idea of  "boundaries". There are several texts on this subject. But for children, focus on how to say no, how to tell someone when they have crossed a line, and how to know when someone has crossed their boundaries. "Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud , John Townsend". This is a Christian book. Having an idea of boundaries is essential to understanding what is inappropriate for someone to do and to be able to protect yourself. Have them practice saying firmly "Don't touch" and "Step back" , "This is mine", to some volunteers who have stepped over a pre-arranged 'line'. This is not in the book, but only my suggestion. http://www.cloudtownsend.com/videoserver...

Bring them to a park if you can and ask them to collect leaves and identify them with the use of an identification sheet.

One good craft is beaded jewelry kits, with earring loops and pliers, and colorful stones. They can stack up the stones. Also available are alphabet pieces.

There is some trust technique where 1 person is blindfolded and the other guides and leads with hands and voice. I have not experienced it, but I gather it develops trust in some way. But on this website, it is suggested that you have already established trust first. Here is the website: http://www.geocities.com/saskrescue/all_... under trust.  Also there are games suggestions such as charades which enhance communication skills and working together.

Answer 2

I think you have a wonderful initiative and are already moving in a positive and meaningful way to encourage these girls.

Indian girls may have have different cultural issues but what you are doing is great.

Keep going!!!

Answer 3

Are you involving the girls in the process? If invited into your planning they will provide you with great insight into their ideas of what is most important. Not everyone will want to give input, but those who do will be more likely to engage other girls to participate later on.

I would encourage projects that allow them to express their point of view. Photography, film making, blogging, even printing a local newspaper for the community, can give them opportunities to feel they have a voice.

Variety will be important, too. Some girls may not be crafty or enjoy physical activities, but if you provide enough different opportunities you will allow each girl to find her place.

As for helping them understand and stand up to domestic violence, you might contact the people at loveisrespect.org. It is a US-based program working with teens about dating violence. While it is not the same culture, they may have resources that can help you teach nonviolence and gender respect in a culturally respectful way.

Best of luck; this is such important work!!