"I really hope we can be a positive influence in the community."

For 15 year–old Kirishaa, leadership begins with building your own character and inner strength.  Her experience with the Empowering Young Women's group at the North West Scarborough Youth Centre has helped her do just that. “The group is a great place to talk – we know that what is said in the room, stays in the room. I learned a lot from our group leader. She told us about being bullied in school and how she was able to turn it into a positive thing by writing stories and poetry and getting involved in sports.”  

A gifted student, Kirishaa, was just eleven when she first enrolled in the summer camp program run by North West Scarborough Youth Centre. “The Go Girls camp helped with self-esteem and confidence. Rock-climbing was my favorite activity and I still remember our self-defence class and learning the eagle-claw!”

She joined “Empowering Young Women” two years ago when she started high school. “The group is about building our character and inner strength - it is helping me be a stronger person and do what is right. One time in Grade 9, some older kids asked my friend and I to keep a look out for them while they went into the art office to change their marks.  My friend was feeling pressured, but I felt very clear about not doing it, and convinced her not to.”

Last year, the group organized two workshops for middle school girls on Peer Pressure, Healthy Living and Media Influences.  They worked on their public speaking skills and prepared Power Point presentations.  “At first when we went up there, we were nervous, but we helped each other out.  We had practiced improvised speaking, like they do in Toastmasters, so that helped us to keep the kids’ attention.”

Next year, Kirishaa is looking forward to doing more with her group. “I really think we can be a positive influence in the community.”

Pg 6, Annual Report 2010-12, YouthLink