Four girls have always harbored an extraordinary wish to make a big difference to the youths in their community. In June, a unique opportunity came when Syafina, heard about Citibank-YMCA Youth For Causes competition from their school principal, alongside the call to raise funds for Voluntary Welfare Organisation.
"I saw the extent of my peers starving themselves, going to extremes, and spending tons on makeovers, hoping to look like celebrities and their idols. I feel that they lack the confidence to present themselves. We are really tired of that, and know that something has to be done. We really hope to raise awareness and influence others to want to make the difference to their lives," said Nurul Syafina, team leader of ‘The Wonders’ on the compelling reason behind this cause.
Her friends, Nadiah Bte Yuseli, 14, Syafiqah Syazwani, 14 and Siti Nurbuwwah, 13, also feel strongly against bingeing and purging in order to look or feel good about themselves. After hours of research, they discovered that eating disorder is on the rise among their peer. After brainstorming for ideas, they decided starting a campaign would be their first step.
‘The Wonders’, the passionate and highly-motivated team consists of four socially-conscious girls from Tanjong Katong Girls’ School (TKGS) Interact Club. Since June, the girls had embarked on this social enterprise project and ‘Girlgems 2007’ was born The TKGS girls behind this youth-initiative and fund-raising event hope to raise $10,000 for the Association for Women for Action and Research (AWARE) youth programmes.
Together with Peishan, AWARE volunteer from the body-image team, and Harmin, Centre Manager of AWARE, the team worked tirelessly with the help of the TKGS teachers, and principal, Mrs Phyllis Lim, to rally support from the whole school. Everyone did their part in gathering volunteers, calling for sponsorships and selling ticket.
The key fund-raising event is a concert held on 25 August at TKGS. ‘Girlgems 2007 – in aid of AWARE’, is a fun and hip youth event that invites young women from all walks of life to reaffirm their self-acceptance. It is an exciting event with talented female performers, vibrant dances, solo and group singing, which are held exclusively for youths ranging from ages 13 to 21.
It is a celebration of girls - Girlgems allows every young woman to appreciate herself for who she is and who she hopes to become. It is a validation of self. It's about being comfortable with who you are and recognizing your potential to be all that you can be. It is about being true to yourself. Casting aside archaic notions of women as Barbie dolls, or second-class citizens, the event encourages women to be first class citizens, to embrace new and healthier role models of success and beauty.
The event is graced by Guest-of-Honour - AWARE President, Ms Constance Singam. The line up of special performances includes Singapore Idol finalist, Paul Twohill, a hip-hop duo, sleeQ and Norman Then.
Their creative approach to social entrepreneurship involves a series of fun-filled entrepreneurial activities with ‘TK Towkay’ corner, booths selling food and accessories, and funds raised by wearing ethic costumes on Carnival Day and National Day celebrations. The resourceful girls tie in marketing efforts with self-designed blog (www.girlgems.blogspot.com), that features interesting footages of the auditions.
As part of the community and public outreach efforts, AWARE invites residents from the youth welfare homes, Pertapis Centre for Women and Girls (PCWG), in the hope that the message behind this meaningful concert resonates with the audience and builds on their self esteem.
For ‘The Wonders’ themselves, it is also a process of self-discovery and reaching out to the community and working towards a good cause. It is also a wonderful time to celebrate girls’ pride and forging new friendships!
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