KIAMA parents who may be concerned about their daughters facing issues of beauty and body confidence, and seeking to build their confidence can do so by joining the Kiama Girl Guides.
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The Free Being Me program, established through an international partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Dove Self Esteem Project is being launched within Kiama Girl Guides Units during Term 2.
The Free Being Me curriculum allows girls to explore issues of beauty and body confidence and build their leadership skills.
The girl-led program is aimed at girls between the ages of seven and 14, and was launched after research conducted by Girl Guiding UK found that one in five primary school girls had been on a diet, while 47 per cent between the aged of 11 and 21 were unhappy with their looks.
Through fun and interactive activities, girls learn that body confidence and self-esteem come from valuing their bodies, standing up to social pressures and supporting others to be more body confident.
Kiama unit leader Leonie Bishop said the program was run across both the seven to 10 and 10-14 age groups, with content appropriately tailored to each.
‘‘It’s about building girls’ body confidence, and therefore building their confidence in their world,’’ she said.
‘‘It improved not only how the girls thought about themselves, but from that improved their relationships with their families and their parents.
‘‘They believe, because they’ve done some studies in Europe... That this type of program carries with the girls.
‘‘So for the younger age group it’s probably more of a preventative type program, because they’re just starting to fit into body image.’’
Mrs Bishop said Guides still served a vital role within communities.
‘‘We are in a changing world, and I think Guides gives kids skills, and if they’ve got skills, they can adapt it to any kind of content or situation,’’ he said.
‘‘I think we’re in a world where female equality, the girls have the capacity to do what they want to do.
‘‘They’ve just got to have the belief and the willingness to do it, and I think Guides, particularly with an all-girl environment gives them that opportunity to build on their strengths.’’
If you have children interested in joining Girl Guides in Kiama, phone Mrs Bishop on 42378086 or email the leonieb@iprimus.com.au address.
