“Homegirls Preventing Child Abuse!”

Girls Life Choices (all girls group) started our year by talking to successful Latina women in the community in different realms. After questioning and examining the types of issues we thought were important we narrowed it down to: drugs and alcohol, destruction of animal habitats, and child abuse. Due to the passions of many of the young women in the group, child abuse was overwhelmingly chosen as our issue.
We learned, about the different forms of child abuse, and the legalities of child abuse. The 25 girls at Bryant-Webster decided it was important to PREVENT child abuse before it even happens through education, and thus named ourselves “Homegirls Preventing Child Abuse”. We partnered with the Kempe Center to participate in a child abuse prevention month. We prepared a presentation, including a rap, about different statistics on child abuse and how it can affect education and behavior, and different ways to prevent it by supporting families. We gave this presentation to the Bryant-Webster staff, to other students and to Services staff. The Homegirls declared April 22nd child abuse prevention day at Bryant-Webster and gave out blue ribbons (symbolizing child abuse prevention) to teachers, parents and students along with educational materials. The Homegirls are already ready for next year and are planning a self-defense course for the older girls. We learned how sad child abuse can be, but that there are things that we can do to prevent it! The Homgirls at Bryant Webster learned how to work together and channel our passions to make positive change in our school and community!