Mission

To improve the lives of young girls by providing support, information and life changing skills that will assist them to develop their full potential while making a meaningful contribution to the development of our society. I was always taught that girls are the only priceless GEMS. We need to put the GEMS back into our society!

Philosophy

GEMS will be guided by the philosophy established by the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for action:

“The girl child of today is the woman of tomorrow. The skills energy and ideas are vital for the full attainment of goals, development and peace. For the girl child to develop her full potential she needs to be nurtured in an enabling environment where her spiritual, intellectual and material needs for survival, protection and development are met and her equal rights safeguarded. Special measures must be taken to ensure that young women have the life skills necessary for effective participation in all levels of social, political, cultural and economic leadership. This new generation of leaders must accept and promote a world in which every child is free from injustice oppression and inequality and free to develop his or her own potential."

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995

Programs

The challenges facing our Federation today are complex and detrimental to our economic, social and political stability.  Recognizing there are few programs designed to address these challenges, GEMS will strive to implement creative strategies in a fun environment to bridge this gap.

Our program will include interactive sessions with health care professionals, educators, parents, entertainers, leaders in our community and beyond. This strategy will ensure that our members develop skills necessary to become well rounded individuals capable of making positive choices which will bring changes to the society in which we live.

Organization

GEMS will remain as a non-profit group open to all girls between the ages of 8-16 years.

Long-term goals

GEMS will initially target young girls at St. George's congregation. Our long time goal is to develop an organization reaching and touching the lives of young girls throughout our Federation and breaking the barriers of denomination, social and economic status.

At the age a 17 years, a member can decide to remain in the group and assist in the educating and mentoring of new members.

Group Leader and Coach

The operation and administration of GEMS will be the responsibility of Avenice Thompson. Other responsible persons with similar interest and commitment to saving our girls will be invited to assist, particularly in my absence.

Meeting time and place

It is my intention to meet the group on Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. the church.  This time was chosen to facilitate members of the junior choir.  Some sessions would require the use of the Church Hall while other sessions would be held at other venues based on the area of focus.

 

Our Girls need us! Our Society Needs us now more than ever!