SUBMITTED REPORT FROM WALDECK SCHOOL
The Plan Canada and The 411 Initiative visited Waldeck School to raise awareness about girls’ rights through their “Because I Am A Girl” campaign. Their presentation focused on the power of young girls.
It has been proven that in developing countries, investing in young girls is the key to eliminating poverty. Their goal is to initiate global change by empowering the girls here in Canada.
Their presentation, approximately 75 minutes in length, encouraged the 145 girls from Waldeck, Hodgeville, Wymark, Vanguard, Stewart Valley and Fairview schools by inspiring each one of them to believe they can make a difference in their communities and in the world around them by encouraging them to use their gifts and talents as young women to initiate change.
Nana Aba Duncan, the host of 411 TV’s daily talk show led an informative, upbeat, and interesting presentation. Duncan shared powerful and emotional content profiling the lives of young women and girls around the world in countries like Sudan and Haiti.
The show also featured a live performance guest, Masia One, a hip hop artist from Vancouver who has made three music videos and been nominated for a Much Music Video Award in the category of hip hop. She discussed the challenges of being a young girl in Canada from her experience and how important it is to stay true to you in light of the powerful and often negative influence media has over young girls today.
Teachers and students in attendance at the presentation enjoyed the show.
“I couldn’t believe how much women are discriminated against around the world. Even in Canada women can do the same job as men but get paid less and media is making all girls want the perfect look,” stated Lexi Krause, a grade 7 student at Waldeck School. “The presentation was really interesting and the music was really good too.”
Waldeck School’s vice-principal, Angela Schindel commented: “We wanted to provide an opportunity for our girls from the Southwest to see, not only how they can make a difference as leaders in their respective communities and in our world, but also how fortunate and influential they can be as Canadians. It’s a presentation that all young women should have the opportunity to see.”
