The program empowers girls to believe they are capable of achieving any goal they set for themselves. Our programs teach girls to manage money, develop healthy relationships, deal with peer pressure, critically examine global events, be physically active, and develop a love of learning. Girls have significantly less access to safe public space in Jamaica as compared with boys. Therefore, our program provides girls with a place to gather learn and grow while supporting emotional development.
Jamaica is facing a serious social and health problem as a result of teen pregnancy, carnal abuse and increased HIV infections of girls. At least 40% of Jamaican women have been pregnant at least once before age twenty. Sexual activity begins at an early age for many Jamaicans, in the early teens and even pre-teen years. In 2013, the total number of sexual abuse cases was 3,403. Research indicates that only 1 in 10 adult Jamaicans report cases of child abuse, including sexual abuse.
Girlz with Goals Leadership Center is a customized space where girls commune and learn in a spirit of excellence. Our team of volunteers offer homework/tutoring, literacy, dance, Spanish lessons, arts & crafts, sewing lessons and leadership workshops. Workshops are the cornerstone of our program to emphasize goal-setting and empowerment. The goal of each session is to provide girls with healthy, creative activities to help them improve their academic performance and develop leadership skills.
Girlz with Goals has 700+ workshop graduates. The Girlz with Goals class of 2018 has 200+ participants. Girlz with Goals Leadership Center has over 35+ members. Girlz with Goals has BOSS summer camp scheduled for July 2018 with a projected class of 40 students. During the most vulnerable times of a girl's day, the leadership center is available to girls. She will recieve constructive programs that serve as an alternative to safeguard lives and equip program participants for academic success.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
