West End Primary girls empowered to lead

Alicia English|Published 3 months ago

West End Primary’s deputy-principal, Garnette Krigge (yellow T-shirt), and some of the members of the school’s Her.d committee, as well as several Grade 5 to 7 pupils at a special year-end celebration in their honour.

West End Primary in Lentegeur hosted a special year-end celebration on Wednesday November 27 for about 20 pupils in its Her.d mentoring programme, which is aimed at empowering girls in Grades 5 to 7.

The girls all attended weekly sessions that covered topics such as bullying and self-esteem, and included team building activities and games throughout the year.

The sessions were facilitated by a group of female West End teachers and support staff.

Chanté Ross, a Grade R teacher and one of the Her.d mentors, explained the significance of the programme and its name.

“Her is for the girl child, and adding the letter ‘d’ to make it Her.d is in reference to our girls being heard. We believe that they should not just be seen, but their voices should be heard too.

“Each Wednesday, we had different activities, games, and topics like bullying and self-esteem to boost their confidence and self-esteem, and encourage them to believe in each other. It was all about empowering one another,” Ms Ross said.

The girls demonstrated their leadership abilities and showcased their talents at the year-end celebration by performing several poems and songs.

Garnette Krigga, deputy principal, urged the girls to treasure the memories they made and the teachings of their mentors on the Her.d committee.

“Let your light shine always.The Her.d club got off to a shaky start this year. Our team was bigger and some people fell away along the way but you persevered because you found a home. You have found friendship.

“The Grade 7s will go away this year but you will always remember the friendships that you have cultivated at the school and while you were in the programme.

“I want to thank the committee and each teacher and support staff member for what you are doing for our young women. They had an aspiration as to what kind of young women they want to send out into the world – strong, wise young women who have compassion for other people, who are also not afraid of their femininity.

“Remember everything that was taught to you by the strong women around you. They have set an example to you, mirror their character,” Ms Krigga said.

Holding toiletry gifts bags they received from non-profit organisation, CBD Helping Hands, are some of the West End Primary girls with several Her.d committee members and deputy principal, Althea Stander, far right.