For any new followers, here are some of the basics about our group. REDES stands for Raparigas Em Desenvolvimento, Educação e Saúde. In English this translates to: Girls in Development, Education and Health. Our group started in 2011 and is made up of girls ranging from ages 12-19. We have a group that meets on the weekends for younger girls and a group for older girls during the week. The purpose of our group is to provide an environment where girls are able to talk about and discuss any issues going on in their lives. In the past we have had debates regarding issues like: domestic violence, puberty, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy and women’s rights. We also have a yearly conference where groups from all over the province come together and have an absolute blast!
The girls are also very involved in making and selling jewelry. This has been a very exciting project because the girls are not only learning practical skills, such as sewing, but are also gaining business and accounting experience. Learning how to be self sufficient is an amazing tool! We have participated in numerous fairs throughout the province of Maputo, where the girls were able to sell their products. Through these fairs, the girls have been able to see their hard work come to fruition and have gained quite a following in our local community. During the “Day of Moamba” in our town, the girls were requested to represent our school and were able to showcase their talents. They were also chosen to represent our district in the 7th National Cultural Festival of Mozambique and made it to the provincial level! Our group is now looking towards the future and is in the process of creating a magazine, “Entre Amigas,” (Between Friends) which will provide another outlet for the girls to talk about issues that are important in their lives. Be on the lookout for more updates soon!
The girls are also very involved in making and selling jewelry. This has been a very exciting project because the girls are not only learning practical skills, such as sewing, but are also gaining business and accounting experience. Learning how to be self sufficient is an amazing tool! We have participated in numerous fairs throughout the province of Maputo, where the girls were able to sell their products. Through these fairs, the girls have been able to see their hard work come to fruition and have gained quite a following in our local community. During the “Day of Moamba” in our town, the girls were requested to represent our school and were able to showcase their talents. They were also chosen to represent our district in the 7th National Cultural Festival of Mozambique and made it to the provincial level! Our group is now looking towards the future and is in the process of creating a magazine, “Entre Amigas,” (Between Friends) which will provide another outlet for the girls to talk about issues that are important in their lives. Be on the lookout for more updates soon!
