The Diva Girls Program 2011

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Hi my name is Iman Zein. I am 12 years old and a grade 6 graduate from Regent Park Duke of York Public School. This is my 3rd year in the Diva’s program. It is held every Friday from 4:30 p.m to 6:00 p.m at Regent Park Focus Youth Media Arts Centre. The main idea of this program is to have positive self- esteem and develop a “sisterhood” with the other girls in the program.

This year, Focus moved to a different building. It is now located at 38 Regent Street. Due to that change, the program was put on hold. Instead of starting in September or October, the program started on Friday, March 4th, 2011. We did not have as much time as usual in the program but, we had a very good time.

One week we screen printed. Using a fabric screen, glue and some paint, we customized our own t-shirts. We got to express our own creativity and personal style. Each T-shirt turned out unique at the end of the day. It was fun trying something new.


Another week Focus invited a guest to teach us about healthy living. We learned that having mental health is just as important as having physical health. It is an important balance in life that we should all have. I know that having healthy living does not just affect you, it affects others too. Like they say “having a positive attitude is contagious”.



In the program we made two different posters. We made posters of our community and posters of ourselves. Making the posters of our communities gave us some time to think about what we liked about our community. Making different posters of ourselves forced us to use our imaginations. We used magazine clippings, stickers and other art materials to make our posters.

This year, I have learned to be a good team worker but still be independent. I learned how to open up and let my voice be heard. I never have a problem stepping out of my comfort zone. Next year, I hope that more girls will participate in this program. I have a feeling that many girls will enjoy the benefits of the Diva Girls program.

  

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