NCGS International Girls' Forum 2003

"Girls Around the World Need to be Talking to Each Other"

In 2003, the Girls Forum delegates presented a list of leadership tips based on their experience on a day-long river kayaking expedition, as well as on conversations with Conference speakers. Previously, in 2002, another slate of Girls Forum delegates met with Tajwar Kakar -- Founder of the Primary School of Hope in Kabul, as well as Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Education and winner of the NCGS International Woman of the Year Award -- to talk about the lives of girls in her country and other troubled parts of the world.

"One of the most important things we can do is take awareness of each other and what we've learned back to our schools and classmates," said Alana E., delegate from the Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island. That, she said, would be an important first step in creating a global dialogue. "Girls around the world need to be talking to each other, sharing with each other. Because although there are a lot of differences among cultures, there is a lot that we have in common as well."

Melissa A., one of two delegates from St. Clement's School in Ontario, Canada, stressed the need to seek out leadership opportunities. "We need to develop our values, put our values in motion, beyond the classroom and beyond the school, and be part of a wider community."

Delegate Tracy N., also representing St. Clement's School, added, "It's the values that are demonstrated that make the strongest impression. It's not about telling people, it's about showing them, leading by example."

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