That awkward moment after you say goodbye where nobody wants to take the first step to leave. “Maybe we could start over again?” one of the camp participants suggested. The girls sat in silence with their certificates of completion, goodie bags, and folders with all the work they had done. Communication during the camp had been more difficult than the volunteers expected. But as the workshops progressed, everybody learned to change their vocabulary and speech just enough so that they found a language everybody understood. In addition to the six official workshops, there were home visits, a drumming and dancing class, and other activities to help the groups find common ground and bond in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Workshop One: Money and Business Management
After a few activities on the importance of differentiating between wants and needs and keeping track of purchases, Madam Comfort, a local shop owner, spoke to the girls about what it takes to start a business. Sitting on their benches, they leaned in and listened intently to Comfort’s advice “work hard…take your studies seriously… make plans….”
Workshop Two: Family Planning
Entering the community center on Wednesday, balloons scattered the floor. After having the girls grab as many as they wanted, the first activity was revealed: “This is how many children you will have. With a set sum of money, see how long you can provide for them.” As the girls moved between stations paying for food, healthcare, education and clothes for each of their future children, the lesson became apparent: bigger families are harder to support, and if you want to provide well for your children, you’re better off with fewer.
Workshop Three: Safe Sex
Thursday began with making sock puppets and using them to role play different important conversations between partners. After some demonstrations, the girls sat down to talk with a local nurse. Judith spoke to them on their level. They opened up, asked honest questions and were satisfied with her answers.
Workshop Four: Self- Confidence
While confidence is instilled in boys from a young age in Humjibre, girls do not get the same treatment. To help the girls become surer of themselves and comfortable speaking to others, the girls practiced expressing what they like about themselves and taking turns complimenting each other.
Workshop Five: Leadership
On Friday, the girls worked to understand what characteristics they would need to develop to be successful in specific occupations and how to make decisions for a group. They then sat for a talk from our very own Agnes Obeng. Beyond being a strong force on the GHEI team, Aggie is a mother, the president of her church and an involved community member in Humjibre.
Workshop Six: Choice- Rugby and Happy Feet
Using a Nerf football, everybody split into two teams and played touch rugby. With the exception of one of our volunteers, this was a new game for the girls and volunteers alike. They ran around, laughed, and passed the ball in the wrong direction as equals. After the game and singing some football chants that aptly expressed their enthusiasm, everybody sat down to watch a movie together.
The workshops presented new information and reiterated some ideas that the girls had seen before. Along with support and some translation from our local staff, the workshops were orchestrated by the volunteers. They played a greater role than just teaching useful lessons for the girls as they mature. The volunteers were positive role models and their presence provided encouragement for the girls to advocate for themselves and work toward their goals. To all our Girls Empowerment volunteers and camp participants, you have been amazing: Thank you. Y3 da mo ase paa!
Don't forget to check our Facebook where the final GE photos will be posted tomorrow!
Workshop One: Money and Business Management
After a few activities on the importance of differentiating between wants and needs and keeping track of purchases, Madam Comfort, a local shop owner, spoke to the girls about what it takes to start a business. Sitting on their benches, they leaned in and listened intently to Comfort’s advice “work hard…take your studies seriously… make plans….” Workshop Two: Family Planning
Entering the community center on Wednesday, balloons scattered the floor. After having the girls grab as many as they wanted, the first activity was revealed: “This is how many children you will have. With a set sum of money, see how long you can provide for them.” As the girls moved between stations paying for food, healthcare, education and clothes for each of their future children, the lesson became apparent: bigger families are harder to support, and if you want to provide well for your children, you’re better off with fewer.
Workshop Three: Safe Sex Thursday began with making sock puppets and using them to role play different important conversations between partners. After some demonstrations, the girls sat down to talk with a local nurse. Judith spoke to them on their level. They opened up, asked honest questions and were satisfied with her answers.
Workshop Four: Self- Confidence
While confidence is instilled in boys from a young age in Humjibre, girls do not get the same treatment. To help the girls become surer of themselves and comfortable speaking to others, the girls practiced expressing what they like about themselves and taking turns complimenting each other.
Workshop Five: Leadership On Friday, the girls worked to understand what characteristics they would need to develop to be successful in specific occupations and how to make decisions for a group. They then sat for a talk from our very own Agnes Obeng. Beyond being a strong force on the GHEI team, Aggie is a mother, the president of her church and an involved community member in Humjibre.
Workshop Six: Choice- Rugby and Happy Feet
Using a Nerf football, everybody split into two teams and played touch rugby. With the exception of one of our volunteers, this was a new game for the girls and volunteers alike. They ran around, laughed, and passed the ball in the wrong direction as equals. After the game and singing some football chants that aptly expressed their enthusiasm, everybody sat down to watch a movie together.
The workshops presented new information and reiterated some ideas that the girls had seen before. Along with support and some translation from our local staff, the workshops were orchestrated by the volunteers. They played a greater role than just teaching useful lessons for the girls as they mature. The volunteers were positive role models and their presence provided encouragement for the girls to advocate for themselves and work toward their goals. To all our Girls Empowerment volunteers and camp participants, you have been amazing: Thank you. Y3 da mo ase paa!Don't forget to check our Facebook where the final GE photos will be posted tomorrow!
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