SPRINGVALE’S new Girl Guides are helping women of all ages to find a place in the community.
Girl Guides Victoria launched the unit for girls aged five to nine years old on last year’s International Friendship Day.
Members celebrated Harmony Day on 21 March by putting the call out for girls aged 10 to 13 years to join them.
Women from diverse backgrounds can also work together to earn a Certificate IV in volunteer co-ordination, guide leader qualifications and a 12-month guide leader placement.
Girl Guides is running training program GLOW with Springvale Learning and Activities Centre.
Girl Guides Victoria community development officer Erin Wicking said the organisation had focused on increasing diversity in its Greater Dandenong groups over the past 18 months.
“We believe guiding has something unique to offer all girls and women,” she said.
Ms Wicking said programs were designed to help empower girls to create positive social change and build their self-reliance and life skills.
Girls meet weekly to take part in age appropriate activities ranging from team challenges and outdoor adventures to community action projects and badge work.
Ms Wicking said the events developed leadership and decision-making skills and improved their confidence.
“As an organisation we have worked for over a century to help empower generations of girls and women to fulfil their aspirations and so we are delighted to expand the Springvale guiding community and help foster a new generation of community leaders,” she said.
The Fairy Guide Unit for girls aged five to nine years meets on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 6pm and the new Girl Guide Unit for girls aged 10 to 13 years will follow from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Call Erin Wicking on 0411 273 714 or email welcome@guidesvic.org.au to learn more about the Springvale Guide Units or register interest in a free three-week trial.
Visit www.guidesvic.org.au for more information about Girl Guides Victoria.
