“FBM helped me to understand that internal beauty is what portrays external beauty. If I have body confidence, I will stand up and shine, and do what I love. Today I love myself more than ever! I found myself into FBM, thanks to Dove and WAGGGS.”
Erica Hishamunda, 21.
From 16-21 July, young leaders from Rwanda and compagnons from France got together, working together to gain skills, helping them to use both the Free Being Me and the Stop the Violence programmes with girls.
At the camp in Gisenyi, Rubavu District, Northern Province of Rwanda, participants learned a lot, and both trainings went well. It was a challenging start – when the facilitators started the first session, especially on the image myth, the participants were reluctant to interact, because they were afraid of offending each other. Note that one group was Rwandan leaders and another one a French Compagnons. But, after some time they began to talk freely, which facilitated a common understanding. We learnt that having a multicultural environment is helpful to participants in order to have diverse opinions and discuss the definition of beauty.
“This programme changed me a lot, and I’m going to change little girls in return. I wish FBM targeted girls above 15. Everyone needs it I think especially adolescent girls, because that’s where you really feel different and depressed”. Sandrine Bwiza, 19.
15 Rwandan leaders committed to reach to at least 750 children in the next three months! Every leader will work with at least 50 children. After that a badge will be given to them. They were provided with a leader guide, activity packs 7-10, activity packs 11-14 and fellow leaders pack. The French Compagnons are members of Scouts et Guides de France, who were visiting Rwanda – they have also made Free Being Me action plans.
As Association des Guides du Rwanda continues to promote Free Being Me, another camp is scheduled to take place from 28 July-1 August, in the Eastern Province, where 45 participants will receive training and support before they go out and spread the word.