MONDAY
Day 1- 6th December 2010
Messages of the Day:
Theme: "We GLOW with self-esteem."
Quote: "The world worships the original."
Speaker of the Day: Ms. Dorcas Nyarewa
Camp GLOW's first guest speaker was Ms. Dorcas Nyarewa, who works with BSG Advocates in Kampala. She spoke to the girls about leadership, staying in school, her education and the path to a successful life. Ms. Dorcas also informed the girls about girl child rights, specifically that they couldn't be denied the right to education or choosing any career. As many girls stated they wanted to become a lawyer, this opportunity to learn from a female lawyer and ask questions was a great learning experience.
Healthy Living: Reproductive Health and Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is typically between 26 to 32 days long.
4 phases of the menstrual cycle:
1. Menses (bleeding time): This time marks the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It typically lasts from day 1 to day 7. Since fertilization of the egg did NOT occur, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the blood and tissues pass out via the vagina. On average a woman bleeds about 2 tablespoons of blood for her entire period.
2. Follicular phase: The follicles in the ovary begin to grow from day 8 to day 14. The follicles will grow until the egg reaches the proper stage of maturity. Also during this time, the uterine lining begins to thicken.
3. Ovulation: During this phase the egg is released from the ovary and begins its journey to the uterus. The egg is typically released between 16 and 32 hours from day 14. Once the egg is released, its journey to the uterus via the fallopian tube will take about 5 days.
4. Secretory phase: The phase is generally from day 19 or 20 until day 32 or when the menses begins. During this phase, the body prepares for fertilization by creating secretions (juices) that will support the embryo until the placenta (baby life support) is fully formed. The secretions continue from day19/20 until the menses. If fertilization does not occur then the secretions production drops dramatically this causes the menstrual bleeding to begin.More in depth information was given about Menses, Follicular Phase, Ovulation, and the Secretory Phase were given during the session with time for girls to ask questions concerning menstruation and the changes their bodies are experiencing in puberty.
The second part of the session focused on AfriPads, a low cost, reusable menstrual pad which can also be produced simply using local materials found in Uganda. AfriPads demonstrations not only promote a healthier way of handling menstruation, it also deals with feminine hygiene practices.
GLOWing: Gender Roles
This exercise can be used to help clarify the meaning of the term “gender roles” and can be used to open a discussion about gender roles in the community and culture.
Objectives
- Define the term “gender roles”
- Describe the difference between “sex” and “gender roles”
- List some of the gender roles expected of men and women in the community
- Describe challenge to current gender roles and ways they might be changed
Arts and Crafts: Saving Money and Making a Money Jar
Why is saving important? Discuss with the group different reasons a person might need savings (sickness, emergencies, special occasions, repairs, etc). Point out how these are events that one would not normally budget for, so it is imperative that you set money aside as a preventative action.
Where do most participants’ families get money for unexpected needs? In Uganda, most people do not save, but instead there is a community safety-net. A person can go to one’s neighbors, friends, or family to borrow funds when necessary. While this system seems reasonable, it automatically makes individuals completely dependent on one another. Persons are forced to constantly be accepted in their community so that they can count on others for support. Discuss the difference between dependence and independence, and the benefits of each. Point out that independence can only be achieved when one has set aside his or her own personal savings.
Finally, segue into what reasons the participants have to save, both now and in the future. Today you are making money jars, but there are larger saving options for more substantial financial management. Share and explain the concept of VSLAs and loans.Teamwork: Why is Teamwork Important?
Teamwork is an integral part of life; whether you use it in your job, in school, with friends or family. Just because you are a part of a group doesn’t mean that you are using teamwork. Teamwork gives a sense of unity, of enthusiasm for common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc. In order to accomplish a goal, you need to work together. Remember there is no I in TEAM and no man is an island. This means that we are never really alone in this world. To create cities and countries, to build companies and school, we all must work together.
Lifeskills: Pat on the Back and Singing the Rainbow
This session is composed of two short, fun, “feel good” activities to raise self-esteem and overall happiness. The “Pat on the Back” activity is most successful if performed with a group that has been together for a while, but it can also be modified for a newer group. Through the “Pat on the Back” activity, participants identify strengths in others in the group, and are thus reminded of the qualities others admire in them. In “Singing the Rainbow,” participants are given a chance to reflect on what things make them happy and what obstacles prevent them from doing these things. As a result, participants discover that happiness is often within their own control. To separate the two activities, you can insert an energizer such as a happiness meditation to peaceful music, or “Statues” to different adjectives.
