What is it? An open-discussion group for girls, based on 
peer interaction, with a focus on empowerment, self-esteem and peer support.
group of girls as to what is most convenient and accessible.
When is it? Weekly meeting day & time is to be decided
by each individual group, approximately one hour in length
a total of ten per group. Groups of ten will easily come together in a
variety of locations (ie. School, church, community etc.)
Why? As a twenty-one year old girl I feel that no matter where you are in the world, being a teenage girl is difficult. For me, while growing up one of the most important things to me was the support of my friends. This group is designed to form friendships with girls alike to discuss, in a safe environment, the struggles we face as women in today’s world. Today, a girl can go far with an education, encouragement and a sense of self worth; that is what I hope this program will bring to those who participate, as well as a group of lifelong friends.
- To discuss topics interesting to all members of the group
- Group teaching: there is not one teacher, each week a different girl will be the leader of a specific topic, though the others are still required to come with questions & comments about the current topic
- Research will be provided in the “information package” to accompany the topics and answer questions when necessary, especially involving health of any kind
- If possible, professionals may be brought in for certain topics, especially if someone has access to them (ie. Mom/Aunt is a nurse)
- Group is designed to form friendships between girls and act as a support group, where topics can be discussed openly. It will be a safe environment for girls to ask questions and discuss their answers.
Possible Topics & Subtopics:
- Sexual Health with Focus on HIV/AIDS, abstinence, saying NO and safe sex
- Physical Health: exercise & eating healthy
- Mental Health: Stress management, addictions and mental illness
- Careers
- Education: Women & Education
- Bullying and Peer Pressure
- Friendships and Peer Groups
- Women’s Emancipation
- Relationships, ie. significant others, family, etc.
Program Layout:
- 10 week program with ten girls (initiator + 9)
- Week 1: Introductions, choosing topics and setting a calendar (led by initiator)
- Week 2: Topic 1 – Girl 1: Presentation of topic 1, discussion and questions to follow
- Week 3: Topic 2 – Girl 2: Presentation of topic 2, discussion and questions to followetc…
- Week 10: Final Topic – Girl 10: Presentation of topic 10, discussion and questions to follow, then further discussion of how to start a new E2 group with nine more peers
An e-copy of the “information package” - with in-depth material for each topic - will be available to anyone who is interested in forming an E2 group, please email: breeboots@hotmail.com If you are currently located in Uganda, hard copies will be available for a limited time at the Eva Ruf Resource Center in Ntinda, next to Red Cross.
So, there it is! My big project for my time here in Uganda. I’m really interested in your thoughts, comments, suggestions and questions! 
Thanks for reading! More soon!
Bree x