Socio-Emotional Learning with Girls at SPARC's Accelerated Learning Centre

At SPARC's Accelerated Learning Centre (a second chance for girls who dropped out after primary school) PCE held two sessions designed to be gentle, playful, and emotionally supportive, in recognition of how much these girls carry. In the first, girls charted their life journeys and daily routines, grounding the conversation in the real texture of care work, school, and social expectation, then used a Dream Drawing activity to picture their aspirations: designers, makeup artists, gardeners, teachers, entrepreneurs. Their vivid drawings stood in stark contrast to the narrow roles society had assigned them, underscoring both the depth of their dreams and the urgency of change.

The second session centred on socio-emotional learning: emotional regulation, resilience, decision-making, self-awareness, and mapping the networks of people they trust. These were intimate, healing, joy-filled spaces, and for many girls it was the first time they felt safe enough to explore their feelings openly. They found strength in being seen, and joy in the power of their own voice.