Dream Sponsors Inc. was selected to present its official research on the My Girl TRIBE Inner Wellness Program after submitting it to the Symposium panel. The research presents a summary of outcome data from the implementation of a collaborative program in rural Ghana and Uganda. Collaborative partner organizations, including VARAS in Ghana and Peace Advocate Foundation (PAF) in Uganda, conducted follow-up individual and focus group interviews guided by 21 specific questions to assess the impact of My Girl TRIBE Inner Wellness Program sessions conducted 2 to 4 years ago. Girls were asked to offer their beliefs and feelings on the impact of this program in their lives, how they are using program tools, how they believe their lives are different due to program components and how the program has helped them with the environmental issues they face in their home communities. We learned so much from these girl voices and their feedback has confirmed that this program has truly made a significant difference in their lives. Some key findings include:

 

• 100% of respondents have improved their school attendance and performance;

• 100% believe the program should be expanded to reach

• More girls in their communities;

• 100% have changed their beliefs on the healthy age to become pregnant and marry.

• 100% now practice new ways to track their menstrual cycles, and use reusable sanitary pads which they have learned to make in their sewing programs.

• 100% of respondents reported increased self-esteem and self-confidence.

• 100% believe the program was a good fit with their culture and addresses the needs and challenges they face.

 

Dream Sponsors Inc.'s Clinical Psychologist Consultant flew from Kenya to Zimbabwe to present the research on the My Girl TRIBE Inner Wellness Program at the Symposium. The Dream Sponsors Inc. team is working to promote this program and attract additional collaborative partners to expand its mission to address gender inequality and to train more Indigenous female mentors to teach young girls coping strategies for addressing issues facing girls in these communities. Girls struggle to achieve their Dream Goals due to period poverty. Gender Based Violence, early marriages, teen pregnancy, and FGM.

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In attendance were many diverse participating organizations and Zimbabwean Ministries of:
Primary & Secondary Education, Women's Affairs, Youth Affairs, Social Development, Skills Audit. Arts, Sports & Culture, Higher &Tertiary Education, Public Service Com