Background
The 2007-08 SPIRIT program served 36 girls, their families and the wider school community.   The program includes educational sessions where the girls get to learn about topics important to them such as body image, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, leadership, sexual health, positive decision making, and healthy relationships.   The program also includes a recreation component where girls are introduced to positive leisure pursuits, and develop healthy peer relationships.   Girls also have opportunities for Mentorship provided through Alberta Mentoring Foundation for Youth (AMFY) as well as individual and family counseling.  

Outcomes
Recently, girls from the SPIRIT program went on a Dog sledding trip as part of their once a year “Life Experience”.   For some of the girls, this was their first time outside of Calgary, and to the mountains.   Girls learned to use their voice to work as part of a wider team, and to command a team of dogs.   The stories and memories that will continue to be shared through this experience will be life lasting!

Testimonials from the Girls in the SPIRIT Program

"Spirit is fun and you learn a lot of things."

"I love the Spirit group. I never want it to end."

"It gives you someone to talk to when you have no one to trust."

"Its so fun and amazing: I love it and I can be me."

"Before Spirit came along I thought that no one understood my problems and I thought that I was ugly and I didn't know how to stand up for myself. Then Spirit came along and helped me and the group through our problems and gave us tons of information. Before I started Spirit I thought nothing of myself, thought no one understood what I was going through.”


Looking for a grant to deliver a student program like this? Contact Donna Rapp at EducationMatters at (403) 294-8239.  Would you like more information about supporting these types of student projects?  Contact Suzan Valenta at EducationMatters at (403) 294-8468.