The Upton Gardens Girls Centre, a satellite agency of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, celebrates the success of two clients who recently completed its engaging and innovative Transformative Programme. This milestone underscores the Centre’s mission to provide young girls facing challenges with the tools to grow, thrive, and reintegrate confidently into their families and communities.
“I feel overwhelmed seeing where I came from before and now. I never knew about UPTON Gardens Girls Centre until now. With the stigma attached, people thought this was where bad students go, but this is not the case. UPTON helps you develop skills you never knew you had. We are a big family, so if you don’t have support at home, the UPTON family provides that, ” noted one graduate, as she reflected on her journey.
The stigma reduction efforts at the Centre resonate deeply with its goals, ensuring the community understands that the Centre is not a place for “bad girls” but a space for personal growth and support.
Josephine Mayers, Social Worker and Tutor at the Centre highlights key programmes that drive the transformation process. “Core programmes include Health and Family Life, focusing on body development and dealing with pressures, and ‘Why Try,’ which helps young girls explore why they engage in certain behaviors and how to overcome them. By sharing relatable success stories, these programmes show that overcoming challenges is possible.”
These initiatives, coupled with parental involvement, provide a robust foundation for the girls’ growth and long-term success.
“We really want parents to be part of the programme. When a girl leaves here by 3:00 PM, the family should continue the work we’re doing. This is how society benefits from a group of young women who have grown and are prepared for the next step to success,”
At the UPTON Gardens Girls Centre, the journey of each girl is a testament to the transformative power of support, education, and community. The Centre remains committed to breaking down stigma, fostering resilience, and equipping young girls with the skills to navigate life’s challenges confidently.