Project Launch:

With media and culturally influenced definitions of beauty – being skinny, pretty, and smart – imposed on girls, keeping a high regard for oneself or good self-esteem is a challenge. In rural communities of El Salvador, girls are often not exposed to alternatives to these definitions of beauty. A $500 grant from World Connect’s Kids to Kids Program in 2010 provided an opportunity for teenage girls in El Salvador to get together over the course of two weekends to learn, share and discuss issues that influence a healthy mind and body. The emphasis was on increasing education and awareness to increase self-esteem of the participants. The camp incorporated fun sports and arts activities and participants learned how to exercise and eat properly, they learned about reproductive health issues, and they also tackled notions of assertiveness and environmental awareness. By taking these girls out of their community, out of their comfort zone, participants were challenged to think beyond their usual worldview. This was a unique opportunity for girls to leave their community, where they could share personal experiences and create memories that last a lifetime. The Peace Corps Volunteer who planned the program reported being struck by one girl who had always been timid and quiet but came out of her shell for the first time in her life during the camp.