Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus saw a need to empower a girl child in their school through a Girl Talk session as part of International Day of Girl Child.
Today’s event followed after a successful Girl Talk session that was established in 2016 by members that graduated from the Columba Leadership Academy, a programme that teaches values – based leadership and support school community to improve their school and communities. The group started these sessions to help young girls with the challenges they face when as they grow up and to address the cyber bulling issues that have led to body shaming at the school.
Over 100 girls attended the Girl Talk session which was joined by local movers and shakers from around Vooslorus who were able to pass on words of encouragement to the learners on their personal life and career journey.
“These Girl Talk sessions assists most learners to speak comfortably about social issues that they didn’t manage to speak about with anyone. This also assists with building trust within the learners and the teachers. We refer them to Life Orientation department (a subset of education that deals with social issues of learners) then if they see that the problem is too deep they refer them to the professional help (social workers)” – Ms Ntuli (Educator)
“One thing that stood out for me was when the guest advised us to see ourselves within one another, if we stand together and support one another as girls, we will all be strong and powerful.” – Thuto Lesedi Grade 11 Learner
Thabo Ndlovu, School Engagement Officer from Columba Leadership added: “Women in our society are always victimized in all areas, from work spaces, within communities or even in relationships. I think it’s always good to prepare young girls for the world and its challenges. These Girl Talk sessions equip them with essential life skills such as Personal Hygiene, Career Tips and how to see one another as a support structure”