A new free program in Montreal, ‘Own Your Place,’ is helping young women from marginalized communities build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills this summer.
“People here are really great and really nice to accept you,” said 14-year-old participant Radja Haidra. “They don’t judge you.”
The program’s two separate groups each experience five days of immersive workshops guided by trained facilitators and mentors.
Covering topics like healthy boundaries, public speaking, digital literacy, and more.
“They’re going out of their comfort zone; I can see it,” said Manuela Rigaud Théodore, co-founder of Zen dans ma tête. “It’s the fourth day today, and from the day one they told us so many things that they want to happen during this week and I see them overcome their fears.”
“They are important,” said Théodore. “And they can do big things.”
Fondation Enfant Jeunesse (FEJ) Canada and Zen dans ma tête came together to create the program.
“You come, and you have a wall in front of you. At the end of this, we want you to break that wall,” explained Gina Ferrus, Founder of FEJ. “And know that there are so many other doors and options that could make your future.”
“And make you a future leader for yourself,” she added. “And in your community.”
The program’s goal: to create meaningful and lasting change, both in the lives of the participants and within their communities.
“I’m really happy to be here because not everybody can like proceed to open up and be a great leader,” said Haidra. “So I’m really glad to be here because I get to know myself and learn.”
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