The ShineGirl Program at MacG

Sarah KIRBY

There are nearly 4.0 million young people in Australia. With this representing just under one-fifth of the Australian population along with the fact that the global youth population is at its all-time high, it is more important than ever that a solid foundation is provided to support the future of Australia and the rest of the world. To advance understanding, this article will explain adolescence in further depth.

Adolescence is a critical link between childhood and adulthood, mainly defined by significant physical, psychological, and social transitions. These transitions are seen as a vulnerable time for most but creates the building blocks to a positive influence on the current and future wellbeing of youth. This period holds great potential as adolescents find ways to engage more with the world around them, growing in areas of thinking critically, physicality and development of complex relationships.

‘Adolescent moral development’ refers to the process of development in morality and connecting behaviour to values and beliefs. Although young people may have their peers and family to help, they often are lead astray as the result of peer pressure and societal factors. This is where ShineGirl, run by Hillsong CityCare comes in.

As quoted by a group of instructors who work in running the ShineGirl program; “The purpose of our programs is to equip and empower young people with the knowledge and skills they need to discover who they are and the person they want to become”. This program runs each term with smaller groups of 10-12 students. While focusing on three main areas; worth, strength and purpose, the facilitators create a safe space where young people can learn about who they are. During these sessions, lessons are taught through fun games, hands on activities and group discussions around topics that relate to youth and personal self. The program aims to “demonstrate to young people that their lives have significance and value” while encouraging positive choices in order to live up to their full potential.

“I’ve learned that people need me.” A quote from an eighth grader who was in the ShineGirl program. The program is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, build confidence and uncover your potential to follow your dreams. Each term, the program looks for a new group of participants.

Make sure to keep an eye out in the student notices for an opportunity to participate. The instructors offer real life advice and create an environment where those feel safe. Their aim is to have a positive affect on the 1.9 million young women in Australia and it all starts with you.

-Sarah Kirby

Alexis ONG

When you reach the finish, you know it’s the end. You know that it’s finished. You can’t try again and speed ahead to be first. You can’t retry the race.

The world is changing too fast for us to keep up, and, often, we fall behind.

Doesn’t everybody?

Right?

But everyone seems to be fine. No one else is left behind. Except me.

Isn’t that what it looks like?

I’m the only one left behind.

Everyone else knows what to do.

I’m the only one that’s lost.

I don’t know what the future brings.

But warm hands told the opposite, a smiling face once told me that I know my path. I just need to keep going, pave my own way.

Right?

So I keep going, step by step, minute by minute. Finding my way by being guided by my choices.

We speed up, get left behind. Life passes by. We wonder what we could have done better. But before you know it, the race ends.