The Crystal Lens Girls Empowerment Program was initially called Girls Career Acceleration Project, piloted with a WIL fund in 2020 as part of the Crystal Lens Work-Based Learning Program. In 2022, it evolved into a stand-alone program with more emphasis on working with teenage girls in their journeys through life and helping them gain the right knowledge needed to build self-confidence, independence and be empowered for the future. This is achieved through knowledge sharing via circle meetings, book reviews and individual counseling sessions as needed. The components include:
1.Circle Meetings: This is a girls-only closed group where participants learn about issues relating to health, finance, entrepreneurship and other personal developmental areas. Beyond listening to seasoned facilitators, participants have access to a safe space to ask questions, share their individual experiences and learn from one another during the meetings. In addition, participants are able to access sanitary and other female products based on needs.
2.Book Club: As part of the program, girls are encouraged to seek knowledge and excitement through books. Hence, the book club creates a platform for participants to gain access to both educational and fictional books, share knowledge via book review sessions and ultimately increase their love for literature.
3.Counselling Sessions: Asides from group sessions, participants are able to communicate one-on-one with an adult whenever they need to. These sessions generally involve helping the girls work through unique challenges, make key decisions and navigate other life endeavours. Counsellors are also able to connect participants to appropriate resources or professional help as the case may be.