Soroptimists ‘Girls on Fire’ programme imparts new skills, life values

The ‘Girls on Fire’ Summer programme hosted by The Soroptimist International of St Vincent and the Grenadines and which came to an end on July 28, imparted knowledge, new skills and life values to teenage girls.

During the one-week programme, which is held annually for females between 11 and 16 years old, the girls, through a collaboration with the STEM SVG 2023 Summer Programme were exposed to topics such as Augmented Reality, 3D Design and print, integration of AI in game, video and website development, in keeping with the theme of the programme “Digital generation. Our generation”.

The afternoon sessions, which were led by leaders in the community were designed to address the unique set of challenges facing young girls through a series of interactive presentations, physical fitness activities and team building sessions.

The Mental Health & Rehabilitation Center presented on self-confidence and mindfulness; Sensi C Bascombe, President of the Hairouna Karate Federation presented and interacted on the topic of Self Defence; the Director of Social Protection in the Ministry of Mobilization addressed the importance of knowing your body; the Arabesque Dance Co choreographed a dance routine for the girls to express themselves; and the Royal St Vincent & the Grenadines Police Force spoke on Cyber bullying and human trafficking.

A release from Shannon Durrant-Samuel of the Soroptimist’s Program Action Committee said on July 25, participants wore orange t-shits with the signage ‘Stop the Violence’.

“The girls helped to raise the awareness of human trafficking by standing in solidarity with the Blue Heart Campaign, a United Nations campaign that raises awareness around the globe of human trafficking and its impact on people and society, creating a human shaped heart with the United Nations Blue colour represented with balloons and sending a message of love.”

Durrant-Samuel said “The Soroptimist International St Vincent and the Grenadines created a learning environment through fun and excitement of which we imparted knowledge, new skills and life values. As we continue to stand up for women and girls across the nation our vision is that women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.”