We are pleased to announce that UNICEF Gambia is supporting our Girls Talk Mentorship Program this year. During the three-day program, we will introduce 30 middle school girls to Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Sexual Violence, Teenage Pregnancy, Leadership, and other topics that will help empower them and teach them their rights.
Participants will participate in intensive sessions filled with discussions and activities led by highly trained and experienced resource persons and will learn skills to aid their personal development, helping them to communicate better, negotiate more effectively, and make better decisions that have a direct impact on each of their lives.
This mentorship program provides girls with a chance to engage with peers and mentors and inspire social change. The program will:
Increase the involvement of girls at risk of child marriage or FGM/C in decision-making.
Encourage them to set, strive for, and achieve worthy goals by offering support, guidance, and encouragement.
Access to and use of services and supports for adolescent girls, including health, education, economics, and legal services.
Boost self-confidence and self-esteem among girls.
Who should apply?
Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 17
Must be enrolled in middle school (any school). Participants who do not attend school but meet the other requirements would be considered.
Participants must be able to communicate in English.
The applicant must reside in the Greater Banjul or the West Coast area.
Must be available for the residential mentorship program at Djembe Hotel from June 9-12, 2022.
How it works?
Girls Talk volunteers and staff will supervise the 30 selected mentees during their three-day stay at the Djembe Hotel. They will arrive at the hotel grounds on Thursday, 9th June at 4pm and stay there until Sunday, 12th June at 4pm. The girls will participate in themed sessions every day. Among the topics covered in these sessions are: Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Sexual Violence, Leadership, Public Speaking, and Menstrual Hygiene Management. Experienced facilitators will conduct these sessions, and the mentees will be provided with everything they need. We will provide them with accommodation, feeding, and materials they need for the sessions for free. Once selected, an email confirmation will be sent to parents, and the girls will only need to bring their clothes for the three-day activity.
What happens after the 3-day program?
The girls will remain as Girls Talk Mentees and be part of a Whatsapp group with alumni mentees. The mentees will be able to meet with Girls Talk from time to time and receive the support they need to succeed. We will create spaces for the girls to form a deeper connection and receive peer support whenever they need it. Additionally, these girls will be trained to be change ambassadors, advocating for their rights in their communities and schools.
How to apply?
You can register your child, sibling or ward by clicking here! We encourage you to sign up your female child to participate in this program in order to build her skills, boost her self-esteem, and provide her with education about her personal and professional development.
Comments