At a Local High School in Pinelands, something extraordinary is unfolding. In a space designed for girls who are often seen as “on the verge of explosion” or labelled as vulnerable, a quiet move is taking place—one that replaces stigma with strength, and labels with leadership.
We never tell the girls they’re at our sessions because they’re a “problem.” Instead, we tell them the truth: they’ve been chosen. Chosen because their teachers see leadership potential in them. Chosen because they carry something powerful inside that just needs a little fine-tuning. The moment we shared this with them, their faces lit up with surprise. For many, it was the first time they were seen not for what they lacked, but for what they could become.
During our “Standards of Beauty” session, the girls participated in a powerful activity. Each girl wrote down characteristics they loved about one another. Then, they circled one trait they didn’t expect to see. One girl shared that someone had written “helpful” on her page. She was stunned. “I help my friends all the time,” she said, “but I didn’t think they noticed or loved that about me.” That moment reminded us that sometimes, the most beautiful parts of who we are go unseen—until someone else holds up a mirror.
At the end of a session, as the girls were leaving, a small incident unfolded. A box of feminine products was placed near the door for the girls to access freely. Somehow, two bags of sweets ended up in the box. One girl decided to take them. I noticed and gently challenged her. She paused, apologized, and put them back. She didn’t have to. I was just a visitor. She could’ve ignored me or walked away. But she chose integrity. That moment spoke volumes—not just about her character, but about the kind of transformation that’s possible when girls are reminded of their worth.
After a recent session on objectification and pornography, one girl approached the team. She shared that she had been dating a 19-year-old from her school and was unsure whether to continue the relationship or wait until she finished school. Mishay could sense that she already knew the answer—she just needed someone to validate her decision to prioritise herself and her education. She had even spoken to her parents, who echoed the same advice.
This conversation reminded us why these sessions matter. They’re not just about information—they’re about affirmation. They’re about reminding young girls that they have a say in what happens to their bodies, that they are special, and that their worth isn’t defined by anyone else’s standards.
The impact is undeniable. The girls are engaged, reflective, and growing. They’re saying things like, “We don’t want this to end.” They’re asking when the last session is so they can prepare themselves emotionally. That kind of response doesn’t come from obligation—it comes from transformation.
Written by Taryn Noah, Edited by Naomi Engelbrecht
