Performing arts develop girls self esteem
Performing arts can help in the development of girls’ self-esteem and better performance in school, a Mulanje based local non-governmental organization has revealed.
The organization, Othakarhaka Foundation, said this recently during the graduation of 42 young girls from a week long girl’s arts empowerment camp aimed at boosting girls’ abilities to withstand emerging challenges in life.
Speaking during the event at Nkhanda Primary School Ground in Mulanje, managing director and founder for the foundation Idah Puliwa said through arts such as music, poetry, short story writing and dancing the girls are able to discover their inborn talents.
“A girl who is courageous to stand before an audience and perform has a better chance to stand firmly against male chauvinism and all forms of violations against her rights than those who are introverts. This is why we are encouraging girls to participate in arts as well,” Puliwa said.
Among other things, Othakarhaka assists over 50 needy boys and girls from Mulanje district with education needs.
One of the girls who took part in the camping Zikomo Kamwana said the event has given her the drive to work hard in school.
“I have learnt that whenever something is troubling me, I can rid it of my mind through singing or writing and it has really worked for me,” Kamwana said.
During the event, renowned gospel musician Ethel Kamwendo Banda encouraged the girls to work hard in school and ensure that they rise above their poverty through good performance in class.
Othakarhaka Foundation is an education focused local NGO currently implementing agricultural, agroforestry, education bursary and tailoring school programs in Mulanje.
