Self-empowerment workshop for FOCHTA girl beneficiaries
This workshop was recently conducted by Zione Matale, Jillian Hopkins and Mphatso Chimbelenga. Seven girls attended the day’s workshop at Zione’s home. Zione is the financial officer of FOCHTA. It was felt that the girls would feel more at ease in a homely setting.
The aim was to address the following issues that are faced by girl beneficiaries:
- To reduce teen pregnancies, HIV/AIDS transmission, malnutrition and other health issues
- To lower drop-outs of girl students at secondary schools
- To improve their learning performance and to encourage them to aim for higher education
- To improve their self esteem and be able to cope better with life challenges, such as pressure from boyfriends and family
- To discuss with them the problems they may face at home and at school
During the session:
Jillian shared with students the need to have self-esteem, that it is important to be confident in how we feel about ourselves, regardless of what other people may think or say; to focus on the positive side and what they are good and not to look down on themselves whatever the case may be.
Zione spoke about home and school issues; the necessity to be resilient and be able to cope with whatever they may face, such as abuse, poverty; to stay focused. The girls commented on their experiences, such as that peers at school might look down on them or mock them. Zione said that they must regard FOCHTA staff as their parents and to nurture love.
Mphatso said she could be regarded as a role model because even though she had lost her father, yet she never lost hope. She had successfully completed her secondary schooling and was then admitted into Bunda College of University of Malawi obtaining a teaching degree. Now, she is a teacher in a secondary school. She believes it is important to have a goal in life while learning the spiritual aspect of life.
During the day, discussion times were interspersed with sports and games. They were also served with breakfast, lunch, and then tea and cakes. By all accounts, it was a very successful and meaningful day that was enjoyed by all, taking home with them many positive fruits for thought.