The Belwop Foundation’s Three-Day Mentorship Program for Teen Girls

The Belwop Foundation recently held a comprehensive three-day mentorship program for teen girls at The Belwop Home from August 20th to 24th, 2024. The program was meticulously designed to equip the participants with essential life skills, focusing on various aspects including talent development, teamwork, social media influence, personal development, stress management, health and wellbeing, and art. The Foundation ensured that all participants were well taken care of by providing bedding, food, notebooks, and sanitary items. Here is an in-depth look at the topics discussed each day.

Day 1: Talent, Teamwork, and Social Media Influence

Topic 1: Talent Development Facilitated by Nancy Wanjiku

The first day kicked off with an engaging session on talent development, led by Nancy Wanjiku. The session began with each girl being asked to write down their talents in their notebooks. This exercise served as a reflective moment for the girls to recognize and appreciate their unique abilities. Nancy delved into the importance of identifying careers that align with their talents and passions. She emphasized that talents, when nurtured, can be lucrative. Examples of musicians and athletes who have built successful careers were highlighted to inspire the girls.

Nancy stressed the significance of focusing on one’s talent from a young age. She encouraged the girls to pursue their dreams and talents relentlessly. The session underscored the importance of showcasing one’s talent in every possible way, whether through school activities, community events, or social media platforms. Mentoring others and seeking mentors to help elevate their talents was also discussed. The girls were urged to look for mentors who could guide them and help them reach new heights in their respective fields. The concept of “paying it forward” was also discussed, with Nancy motivating the teens to mentor others, be it siblings, friends, or peers.

Topic 2: Teamwork Facilitated by James Macharia

The second session of the day was facilitated by James Macharia and focused on the importance of teamwork. James explained that teamwork is an essential skill in both personal and professional life. The girls participated in various group activities that demonstrated the value of collaboration, communication, and mutual support. They learned that working together towards a common goal often yields better results than working in isolation. James emphasized that understanding and respecting the strengths and weaknesses of team members is crucial for effective teamwork.

James also stressed that effective teamwork requires communication, empathy, and compromise. Whether in group projects at school or in future workplaces, the girls were encouraged to embrace teamwork as a means of achieving more than they could on their own. Through practical exercises, the participants got hands-on experience in problem-solving as a team, reinforcing the idea that collaboration fuels growth and success.

Topic 3: Social Media Influence Facilitated by James Macharia

The final session of the day, also facilitated by James Macharia, tackled the topic of social media influence. In today’s digital world, social media plays an undeniable role in shaping perceptions and influencing behaviors. James’ session on social media influence was eye-opening for many of the participants, who were active users of platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. James began by defining social media and discussing its widespread impact on modern society. The session covered both the advantages and disadvantages of social media. On the positive side, social media can be a powerful tool for networking, learning, and self-expression. However, James also highlighted the potential downsides, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. The girls were encouraged to use social media responsibly and to be mindful of their online presence.

By the end of the day, the girls were not only more aware of their talents but also equipped with practical insights on how to nurture those talents in a team setting and through social media channels.

Day 2: Personal Growth and Wellbeing

The second day of the mentorship program centered around personal development, self-awareness, and health, touching on the holistic aspects of what it means to be a confident and healthy individual.

Topic 4: Personal Development and Self-Awareness Facilitated by Carol Nderi

The second day started with mentorship on personal development and self-awareness, with Carol Nderi leading the sessions. Carol began with the concept of self-leadership, explaining that to lead others effectively, one must first learn to lead oneself. She introduced various cues and strategies for self-leadership, such as setting personal goals and maintaining a positive mindset.

The session covered the concept of self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. Carol emphasized the importance of positive psychology and self-talk, encouraging the girls to maintain a positive inner dialogue. Mental imagery, or visualizing success, was also discussed as a powerful tool for achieving personal goals. Emotional intelligence and self-awareness were key topics, with practical exercises to help the girls understand and manage their emotions better.

Topic 5: Stress Management Facilitated by Carol Nderi

Following the personal development session, Carol Nderi conducted a session on stress management. She explained that stress is a natural response to challenging situations but can have detrimental effects if not managed properly. The girls were taught various stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and time management skills. The importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance was also discussed. Carol provided practical tips for managing academic pressures and personal challenges, helping the girls to develop resilience and coping strategies.

Topic 6: Health and Wellbeing Facilitated by Fr. John Wanjohi Nyawira

The final session of the second day was facilitated by Fr. John Wanjohi Nyawira and focused on health and wellbeing. Fr. John discussed the four aspects of the body: physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental. He explained how each aspect is interconnected and contributes to overall wellbeing.

The physical aspect covered the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. The emotional aspect emphasized the importance of managing emotions and seeking support when needed. The spiritual aspect encouraged the girls to find a sense of purpose and connect with their inner selves through practices like meditation or prayer. The mental aspect focused on the importance of mental health, encouraging the girls to seek help if they experience mental health challenges. Fr. John provided practical tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and encouraged the girls to prioritize their well-being.

Day 3: Art and Creativity

Topic 7: Art and Creativity Facilitated by Emily Wairimu Mwangi

The third and final day was dedicated to art and creativity, facilitated by Emily Wairimu Mwangi from Inspire Library. Emily introduced the girls to various forms of art, emphasizing the importance of creativity in personal development. The session included several reading activities that encouraged the girls to explore different genres of literature and express their thoughts through writing.

The girls were introduced to visual arts, including drawing and painting. Emily explained that art is a powerful form of self-expression and can be therapeutic. The girls participated in hands-on activities, creating their artwork and sharing them with the group. This session allowed the girls to explore their creative sides and appreciate the value of art in everyday life.

Conclusion

The Belwop Foundation’s three-day mentorship program was a resounding success, providing the girls with valuable knowledge and skills that will serve them well in their personal and professional lives. The program’s holistic approach ensured that all aspects of the girls’ development were addressed, from talent and teamwork to personal development, stress management, health, and creativity. The Foundation’s commitment to empowering young girls and providing them with the tools they need to succeed is truly commendable. The girls left the program feeling inspired, motivated, and equipped to pursue their dreams with confidence.