A transformative week-long winter engagement programme has left an indelible mark on the lives of thirty-three young girls between the ages of 13 and 18. Organized by Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW), the initiative—titled Menchung Bum: Rise and Shine—concludes tomorrow, having already sparked newfound confidence and growth among its participants.
A Safe Haven for Young Minds
During a time of dramatic changes—physically, emotionally, and psychologically—adolescents face unique challenges that can often shape their sense of self. A RENEW official explained, “Adolescence is a transformative phase, and we recognise the distinct hurdles and opportunities young women encounter. Our aim with this programme is to equip them with essential life skills, boost their self-esteem, and provide invaluable knowledge for life.” The initiative has proven to be a safe space where participants could openly discuss and address issues ranging from bullying and parental pressures to body shaming and the complexities of digital life.
Interactive Sessions That Inspire
Throughout the week, participants delved into sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics. Workshops on self-development, self-identity, and affirmations saw the girls engage in activities like writing affirmation journals and participating in mirror exercises. In these exercises, each girl was encouraged to look into the mirror and articulate positive affirmations, a practice that many described as life-changing.
Fourteen-year-old Tshering Yangzom shared, “The self-awareness session helped me find my voice. I had never spoken as openly as I did here.” Yangzom recalled the mirror exercise fondly: “For the first time, I complimented myself. I told myself, ‘I am enough. I will never give up. Be positive.’” Similarly, 18-year-old Pema Lhazin, a recent Class XII graduate, embraced the exercise at home, emphasizing that the journey toward self-acceptance was one she intended to continue despite occasional doubts.
Not every participant felt ready to jump in immediately. Thirteen-year-old Pema Yesel admitted, “I lack confidence now, but I will try the exercise when I am older,” highlighting the programme’s role in gradually building self-assurance.
Skills for Modern Challenges
The curriculum extended beyond personal affirmations, also addressing pressing modern-day issues. Sessions on cyber safety, conflict resolution, and communication were crafted to help young girls navigate not only their personal challenges but also the demands of the digital age. The participants learned to cope with the pressures stemming from social media and unrealistic expectations, an area they felt was missing in their traditional schooling.
Reflecting on these discussions, Tshering Yangzom remarked, “We never really learned how to solve our problems before, which often left us feeling overwhelmed. The conflict resolution session opened our eyes to the many ways we can tackle difficulties.”
Looking Toward the Future
In a testament to the programme’s success, many participants expressed interest in extending the conversation to include their families. “Some of us believe that if our parents could join some sessions, it would bridge the communication gap between us,” commented one of the girls, underscoring a desire for a more holistic approach to emotional wellness.
With Menchung Bum: Rise and Shine drawing to a close tomorrow, RENEW has already set a strong precedent for empowering adolescent girls. Plans are underway for future initiatives that will continue to nurture resilience, impart life-enhancing skills, and prepare young women to navigate their communities with compassion and competence.
The success of this winter engagement programme not only highlights the importance of addressing mental and emotional well-being during adolescence, but also paints a hopeful picture of a generation poised to rise, shine, and transform their lives.
