Mental Health
“Before coming to the sessions, I used to keep everything to myself and felt like no one understood what I was going through. Through the counseling and group discussions, I have learned how to express my feelings and handle problems better. I feel more confident now and know that I am not alone.”
Above is a quote from one of the students after receiving mental health counseling as part of the holistic educational program that Stepping Stones International provides. The team broke it down for us more specifically:
In addition to individual counseling, the girls participated in structured weekly group counseling, known as “In-Touch Sessions.” These sessions provided a supportive environment where participants could realize they are not alone in their struggles, helping to reduce feelings of shame and isolation. A total of 36 structured group sessions were conducted across the program. Some of the in-touch sessions included self-introspection, values and decision-making, assertiveness and healthy communication.
The integrated approach of individual counseling combined with structured group interventions continues to yield meaningful psychosocial outcomes.
Through these therapeutic interventions, participants have gained confidence to interact with peers, explore their strengths, and channel their energy into structured curricular and recreational activities. There were measurable improvements in participants’ coping and confidence levels following targeted psychosocial support interventions.
Literacy
At the beginning of the program, participants were assessed and placed into different literacy reading levels, ranging from early steps (those that struggle to read and write, typically read at the level of a reception student) to Standard 6 level (can read and write without individual support). The baseline results showed that participants were reading below their expected grade level, highlighting the importance of the literacy support interventions provided at the center.
During implementation, 80% of the participants showed notable improvements in their literacy reading levels when comparing baseline results with their current reading levels.
Safety and Wellness
Participants engaged in four structured sessions aimed at empowering girls with knowledge and practical skills to strengthen their personal dignity, safety, and overall wellness. The sessions focused on personal dignity, self-respect, and self-esteem, personal hygiene and menstrual health management, understanding personal safety and gender-based violence awareness.
The sessions were delivered using participatory and learner-centered approaches, including group discussions, storytelling, role plays, and scenario-based learning. These methods created a safe and supportive environment where participants were able to openly discuss challenges affecting their wellbeing and learn practical ways to protect themselves and seek assistance when necessary. During the sessions, girls learned about available community support structures and referral pathways to help reduce barriers that often prevent girls from accessing support services. These included the police and other law enforcement agencies, social workers, hospitals and clinics, as well as guidance and counseling teachers. The girls are currently confident in discussing sensitive issues and are more informed about where to seek help when faced with challenges such as violence, abuse, or emotional distress.
In the next phase of the project SSI will host activities which will create a platform to strengthen linkages between the participants and local health and social support services while encouraging the formation of peer support groups that will enable the girls to continue supporting one another even after the sessions have ended.
We are grateful to Stepping Stones International for providing updates on the educational journeys of Boineelo, Gaone, Julia, Kago, Larona, Lefika, Olebogeng, Pauline, Precious and Senior. We look forward to another report in September, after they complete one year in the program.
We fundraise year-round for The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls. If you’d like to contribute toward our 2026 fund, please start here.
What a wonderful, empowering and heart-warming programme.
A very well thought out project of care , which must be helping the young girls enormously.