Hosted by the Shanda Initiative
Date: 16 August 2025
Venue: Cocomia, Sam Levy’s Village, Borrowdale
A Room Full of Becoming
On Saturday, we held the Girl, Take Over life skills workshop for teen girls aged 13 to 19—and what unfolded in that room was nothing short of beautiful.
From the very first moment, it was clear: girls are hungry for truth, for safety, and for guidance that doesn’t shame them but shapes them.
Through open conversations, reflective exercises, and relatable teaching, the girls were gently led into topics that matter deeply at their stage of life—topics that many had never had a chance to explore in a safe, honest way.
What We Covered
The workshop sessions were intentionally crafted to be both practical and heart-opening. We explored:
- Self-Worth & Identity: Helping the girls understand their value, not based on looks, popularity, or grades, but on who they are at their core.
- Peer Pressure & Friendships: Navigating tricky social situations, red flags in relationships, and learning how to stand firm in who they are.
- Menstrual Hygiene & Body Care: Removing shame from natural changes, and empowering them with knowledge to care for their bodies with confidence.
- Etiquette, Grooming & Dressing: Teaching the power of personal presentation and respect for self through how they carry themselves.
- Dreaming Big: Encouraging them to name their goals, think boldly, and understand that their current reality doesn’t limit their future possibilities.
- Ask Me Anything Session: An open, judgment-free space where girls could ask personal or difficult questions anonymously—and receive truthful, kind answers.
- Guest Story: A young professional shared her personal journey, reminding the girls that becoming takes time, detours, and resilience.
What We Saw and Felt
We saw girls sit taller as the hours passed.
We saw hesitant questions turn into confident engagement.
We saw girls connecting not just with the content—but with themselves.
And we saw how desperately important it is to continue this kind of work.
A Thank You to the Parents
We are deeply grateful to every parent and guardian who trusted us with their daughters. Thank you for showing up in this way—for choosing to be present, even behind the scenes.
Your willingness to invest in your child’s growth created the room for this transformation to take place.
Looking Ahead
The feedback and response have been humbling. Many parents have already asked about the next one—and yes, we’re already planning something beautiful.
If you’d like to be notified about future workshops or invite us to work with your school or group of girls, you can contact us [insert contact form link] or follow us on [insert social media link].
Let’s keep raising girls who know their worth, speak their truth, and take charge of their future.
With gratitude,
Nicole Ruvimbo Marara
Founder – The Shanda Initiativ