Goodbye Girls Club

School's officially out for summer, which means last week we said goodbye to our first ever African Stars Girls Club. It's been a pretty amazing experience watching these 13 and 14 year olds change and grow over the last year. So many of them have come into their own, developing stronger voices, gaining independence and finding new confidence.

We taught them about teamwork and self-esteem, oral care and public speaking, heart and reproductive health, self-esteem and future planning. And while the send-off party was a success--complete with stickers and songs, certificates and scented soaps (a rare combination, I realize)--I was still a little sad to see them go.

Sure, some of the Grade 6 leaners will be back next year, when our African Stars meet again. But a few of my favorites (like little Rosa, who over the past year has transformed from a tough and tumble bully to a kindhearted but no nonsense, smart and talented girl) are heading elsewhere for schooling.

It makes room for new girls to become African Stars, but it still leaves a bit of a hole where the original ones used to be.


Olivia Making Red Ribbons for World AIDS Day


Joancey Hard at Work


African Star Girls!


(Rosa's in the Red)