Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus hosted a Girl Talk session on International Day of the Girl Child on October 14.
The Girl Talk sessions were established in 2016 by graduates of the Columba Leadership Academy, a programme that teaches values-based leadership.
The sessions are aimed at helping young girls meet the challenges they face as they grow up. They also address cyber-bullying, which has led to body-shaming at the school.
More than 100 girls attended the Girl Talk session, where community leaders from Vosloorus gave them words of encouragement.
Xolisile Ntuli, a teacher at the school, said the Girl Talk sessions allow learners to speak freely about social issues they can’t discuss with anyone else.
“This also assists with building trust between learners and teachers. We refer them to the life orientation department. If they see the problem is too deep-rooted they refer the learners to social workers,” said Ntuli.
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A Grade 11 learner at the school said she found the Girl Talk session helpful.
“One thing that stood out for me was when the guest speaker 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,” she said.
Thabo Ndlovu, school engagement officer at Columba Leadership Academy, said: “Women in our society are victimised in all areas, including workplaces, communities and 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 and career tips.
“It shows them how to see each other as a support structure.”
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