Puberty Education for Girls at Peduli Anak
Puberty is the transition phase when every young girl undergoes physical, emotional, and social changes. Peduli Anak strongly feels that proper education on this phase is very empowering for the girls, whereby adequate knowledge and confidence are provided to them to face various eventualities. The Puberty Education Program has been structured to guide pre-teen and teenage girls through this journey and has provided them a safe space to learn and share their experiences.
The program encompasses all aspects of puberty, led by a psychologist, Ms. Ismi, and a counselor, Ms. Aini. The girls learn not just what changes to expect physically but also the emotional shifts due to puberty. As Ms. Ismi explained, “It is important that the girls be aware this change that they’re experiencing is normal, and that they are in a safe place where they can ask questions without feeling scared or ashamed.“
Outdoor Learning for a New Outlook
Though usually conducted within classrooms, the girls from Peduli Anak prefer to take their lessons outdoors. The air and surroundings are fresh and more natural, so sessions might appear more relaxed and open for them to express themselves. They discussed the content of the puberty education book that opened them up to a lot of new knowledge while seated in a circle under the trees with the wind at a gentle blow.
These outdoor sessions are held every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. It is through these weekly support sessions that the girls learn how to overcome puberty challenges.
It is during this sharing that most of the learning in the Puberty Education Program occurs. The girls candidly tell of changes that they have gone through since attaining puberty. For Sakila, one of the children coming to the program, it was not all that smooth a transition at the very beginning. “I didn’t know why I was feeling so many emotions at once,” she shares with a shy smile. “But after attending these sessions, I now know that this is normal, and I do not feel so alone anymore.” Sakila’s story is representative of numerous girls; she was taught about puberty and how the anxiety and fear often find their origin in this life stage.
It is such shared experiences that give the girls a sense of community, helping them to understand they do not walk in their journey in isolation. They discuss the feelings associated and even humor some of the more awkward aspects of growing up.
Comprehensive Education for All-round Development
Puberty education in Peduli Anak does not solely aim at understanding changes within the body. “It also covers emotional health, self-esteem, and body image,” she said. Guidance from both Ms. Ismi and Ms. Aini helped the girls learn how to manage their emotions, preserve healthy relationships, and take good care of themselves through this transition.
Ms. Ismi explained that emotional well-being acts as an advantage, adding, “We want the girls to know that puberty is not only in the body—it’s also emotional. They are becoming young, confident women, and it helps them to embrace that.“
Outdoor Learning: Benefits
Hosting these sessions outdoors simply puts a magical feel into them, as the serenity in nature often can neutralize and perhaps aid in freer, more natural speech when outdoors. This is important, as many girls are also able to see their anxiety about discussing personal matters greatly diminished as they head out-of-doors for such discussions. They get to appreciate the scenic surroundings while learning important life lessons regarding their bodies and emotional changes.
Momentum Forward
The puberty education in Peduli Anak has indeed carved a niche in the life of these young girls. If they had continued sessions and motivation by skilled professionals, they would be even more confident and capable of facing the change and challenges of puberty. More importantly, it prepares them with confidence and a support system to face this stage in their life wholeheartedly.
Through this program, the girls of Peduli Anak learn and grow with each other, side by side, through this age of life. The education they are getting today will surely be one sure foundation for these young ladies to become independent.
Support the Puberty Education Program
If you would like to give more support to the Puberty Education Program at Peduli Anak, donate to our foundation now. Please be assured that your valuable contribution will go a long way in giving these girls the education and means necessary for confident growth into the next stage of their lives. Let’s make a difference together!
