Nagaland Schools Launch ‘Adolescent Girls Club’ to Empower Young Girls Under Mission Shakti

Adolescence is a pivotal phase in a child’s development, marked by rapid physical and psychological transformations. It is a time of exploration, self-discovery, and, often, vulnerability. To provide structured guidance and empower young girls during this crucial stage, Nagaland has introduced ‘Adolescent Girls Clubs’ in both government and private schools for girls aged 10-19 years under Mission Shakti.

On 5th October 2024, the first Adolescent Girls Club was launched at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Wokha, Nagaland, with 50 adolescent girls as its founding members. The initiative aims to equip girls with essential skills, knowledge, and support systems to navigate challenges, make informed choices, and build a strong foundation for their future. With the motto “Live the Promise,” the clubs aspire to develop confident, informed, and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

Objectives of the Adolescent Girls Club

The initiative is designed with key objectives to educate, uplift, and empower adolescent girls:

1. Empowerment – Equip girls with life skills and confidence to make informed decisions.
2. Education – Provide academic support and resources to enhance learning outcomes.
3. Health Awareness – Educate members on reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse, and nutrition.
4. Leadership Development – Foster leadership skills through mentorship programmes and interactive workshops.
5. Social Well-being – Encourage participation in community service and social responsibility initiatives.

The Adolescent Girls Club will engage its members in workshops, mentorship programmes, health camps, community service projects, and creative expression activities. Additionally, a special adolescent toolkit is being developed to serve as a guide for both adolescent girls and their parents. The toolkit will include informational materials on menstrual hygiene management (MHH), mental health, teenage pregnancy prevention, child abuse awareness, and emergency helpline numbers.

Teachers and counsellors are actively working on IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials tailored to adolescent needs. The clubs will also conduct monthly activities to ensure continuous engagement, provide a platform for girls to discuss their concerns, and create a safe space for their growth and development.

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This initiative under Mission Shakti is expected to positively impact thousands of young girls across Nagaland, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate adolescence with confidence and resilience.