Truth Magazine Issue 3

Girls Of Destiny
Programs Empowering Girls
Regardless of our size, shape, height, colour, ethnicity
or religion we are all capable of great things. We all
have this one thing in common-purpose. Purpose is
like an iceberg; 90% is below the surface and 10% is
visible. How does one find their purpose or tap into
their potential? Ask yourself these questions:
Why was I put on this earth?
What do I want to do with my life?
What do I love to do?
Who do I want to help?
How can I help?
The answers to these questions may help us find our
purpose but if we don’t believe in ourselves we cannot
pursue our passion and serve others. Kendall Bronk,
a leading researcher on youth development, submits
that, “…the development of purpose is intricately
woven with the development of identity.”
Let’s face the facts. Some of us struggle with loving
ourselves, finding our true identity, and connecting
with others. Everywhere we go we are bombarded with
the supposed ideal image of beauty and popularity
which we don’t fit. It is no wonder we find it difficult to
value and treasure ourselves.
In a National Population Health Survey conducted by
Statistics Canada, the indication is that adolescent
girls tend to have a lower self-concept (a sense of selfworth
and a feeling of control) than boys. The damaging
effects of low self-worth make girls more susceptible to
issues such as teenage pregnancy, depression, obesity
and various other health issues. A positive self-concept
on the other hand, is apparently, key to developing
good mental and physical health.
Girls of Destiny (GOD) leadership, etiquette, personal
development summer camp and life skill programs are
designed to inculcate and bolster positive self-concept
in adolescent girls age 11-16. Founded in 2003, the
programs continue to provide great mentorship for
girls.
The goal of GOD is to engage the community by
mentoring and empowering girls as they go through
their teen years, to build self-esteem, develop social
graces and radiate beauty from within. GOD helps girls
appreciate their personality and value their real self.
Bill Damon, the leading researcher on purpose and
adolescence at Stanford University, says “The biggest
problem growing up today is not actually stress,
it’s meaninglessness. Finding purpose early builds
confidence and habits of mind that can be practiced.
Purpose is something young people not only need, but
want.”
Young people may not know what their purpose is,
but the adults in their lives may have a good idea. I
challenge every adult reading this article to encourage
a young person to find purpose by enlightening them
on the strengths you observe they have and how they
can use them to impact their community and society.
Girls of Destiny team members believe each girl has
unique gifts, talents and abilities. Our self-esteem,
modeling, leadership, etiquette, hair care, makeup,
cooking, dance, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) and community service
programs give girls the experiences to help discover
their own sense of purpose which is critical during their
adolescent years. We inspire girls to be brilliant “Stars
in the Universe”, destined to influence their world.
Pat Chacha
Founder
16 | Truthmagazine