Young Women in Kibera Identify their Stand on Social Issues

This past Sunday, The LitClub girls here in Kibera started on the topic of kindness, which in many cultures and religions is recognized as a value and is very important for people to be kind to each other, something I think is important for the girls to learn, big acts or small acts of good are valuable because they shape a persons character. During this past lesson we had so much fun exploring kindness in the different ways as the girls got the opportunity to think about life outside their own communities. They all had different thoughts on the different issues that affect us in our world today.

They got to look at different photographs from different magazines and picked photographs that represented their thoughts and later on put their thoughts in to words. It was such an inspiration to read as well as listen all the ideas they wrote down in their personal journals as they shared them with the class, at the end of the session they learned how to practice random acts of kindness.

Surely the children are our future; they have the most beautiful hearts and will no doubt have a positive effect in their community.

I Love Me Posters

 

The day couldn’t have been more perfect for the Girls LitClub. It was sunny and the girls looked
fresh and excited!

We started off with a couple of ice breakers and games just to have the girls relaxed and cormfortable. We then had the girls display their unique moves, talents and great personalities when we did the “bull frog”. It was so much fun and they shared lots of laughter as each of the girls flaunted her special "bull frog' move.

 We shared the great inspiring story of Jessica Cox, a young 25 year old lady who was born without arms. Jessica did not give up on her hopes and dreams but believed in herself and achieved her dreams of being a pilot. The girls were greatly inspired and they really opened up about their dreams, wishes and even their fears. It was a lovely session.

We then had a self-esteem activity, where the girls got to make “I Love Me" posters. This activity aimed to have the girls view themselves and their lives positively and beautifully. They embraced the different parts of their lives such as hopes, dreams, family and careers. They also got to view themselves and express their personal strengths and what they absolutely love about themselves. This activity entailed a lot of reflection and fun as they got to decorate and personalize their posters.     

We wrapped it up with another round of bullfrog; the girls had loved it so much and wanted to do it again! We got to see more moves and share more great moments of unending laughter!!
It was a beautiful day, couldn’t have been more perfect! Untill next time…

Submitted by our Girls LitClub facilitator in Kibera, Prisca

What Can We Do to Help Women Around the World? – Jerusalem Girls LitClub

This week in Jerusalem the girls explored Sisterhood. We began our meeting by reading a beautiful article that appeared in the New York Times last summer. The article tells the story of a group of Jewish Israeli women who sneak Palestinian Arab women out of the West Bank and take them to Tel Aviv to swim in the sea. It is a story of remarkable courage and unlikely friendships. Themes that resonate for the members of Hand in Hand’s first LitClub.
 
The girls were astonished by the bravery of the women and inspired by their acts of courage. They were also stunned to read an American article about the Middle East that discussed real human issues and not just politics. The girls asked each other poignant questions, such as: How are we, as women, responsible for each other? What do all women have in common? What can we do to help women around the world? Although we didn’t solve any major world conflicts today, they decided together the best thing they can do is to continue having these important conversations and to be brave enough to continue to hope for a brighter future.
 
As one of the Arab girls was leaving, she turned back and said to me, “You’re an American Jew and I have more in common with you than I do with most of the men in my family. We talk about real things, things that matter. If that’s not sisterhood I don’t know what is.”

Submitted by our Girls LitClub Facilitator in Jerusalem, Leah Joseph

The Global Poem for Change at Girls LitClub in Kibera, Kenya

GLOBAL POEM FOR CHANGE (Submitted by Girls LitClub Facilitator, Prisca)

It is always wonderful to see the girls sharing all their wonderful and different passions. This Sunday, they contributed to the Global Poem for Change. It was amazing having the girls open up and share their dreams, thoughts, and wishes that they hold very close to their hearts.

All the girls in the different clubs here in Kibera had such wonderful ideas on what they consider to be global issues and all had eye opening ideas on solutions towards solving these issues. The girls had a session where they brainstormed on how everybody can make a difference. It was very empowering just listening to all their suggestions on ways they could make a difference and change the world.

They definitely have beautiful hearts and will have a great impact now and in the future!!

Here is a beautiful and poignant entry from Nancy, a Girls LitClub participant in Kibera:

Poem: "The Empty Page" by Rae of 826 Valencia Girls LitClub

We love this poem by Rae, a Girls LitClub participant at 826 Valencia in San Francisco. Thank you to facilitator Terry Hwang for your work in cultivating young women's voices!