In a departure from the usual school holiday routine, 25 secondary school girls from Selangor, Malaysia, opted for a more purposeful year-end break last December.
They participated in ‘EmpowerHER’, an initiative by RYTHM Foundation geared towards cultivating the unique strengths of teenage girls and guiding them closer to their true potential.
The MLL supports disadvantaged girls in their holistic development and life improvement. Since 2010, the programme has empowered more than 8,000 girls through academic coaching, computer classes, self-discovery camps, and mentoring.
This initiative also marked the induction of the students into Maharani Learning Lab, a long-standing RYTHM programme empowering girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. This first EmpowerHER course also introduced our new MLL facility in the underserved urban community of Damansara Damai.
EmpowerHER’s Holistic Impact
The 15- and 16-year-olds dedicated four days to the programme, unlocking their potential through workshops, discussions, and practical activities.
They eagerly embraced the meticulously organised sessions, which featured four distinct workshops. This approach fostered a comprehensive emphasis on, among other aspects, introspection, positive affirmations, effective communication, and goal-setting.
The programme facilitated personal growth and nurtured a strong sense of empowerment and resilience among the girls, paving the way for a more measured approach to their lives.
As a direct outcome of the workshops, they also emerged with newfound self-awareness, enhanced communication abilities, and a clear vision for their future success.
“This transformation not only signifies personal growth but also underscores the impact of empowerment in shaping resilient individuals,” remarked Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation.
“It reaffirms our commitment to providing meaningful initiatives that go beyond the ordinary, fostering lasting change in the lives of young individuals,” Santhi said.
A parent who observed her daughter in the sessions said, “This programme invigorates their minds and is relevant to today’s teens.”
Another parent, Bukhari, expressed satisfaction with the positive changes he observed in his daughter due to EmpowerHER.
“This is an excellent way to prepare girls for the world. I am impressed by the programme’s efforts to teach various soft skills.
“The lack of self-confidence among young girls, my daughter included, is sometimes worrying. I’m confident this programme will help her get started to build it further and face life’s challenges,” Bukhari added.
