How It All Began, written by Georgina Hnatiuk
So Xarah has been telling me for about 2 weeks now that she is starting a girls group at school. She tells me that the rules to be in the group are based on being kind, not bullying, not judging others based on their skin, and not judging others based on what they like. She planned it out everyday spending many hours by herself throughout the week and
even over the weekend. She was drawing different emotion face sketches, planning schedules, making lists of games to play, prizes to be one, writing how-to lists, rules, I'm thinking... "How cute. Today she comes home and announces that the teacher has referred her to the principal who will be making an announcement about her new club at the school assembly tomorrow, recruiting people! Glen and I look at each other in amazement! Glen started to laugh so he had to leave the room so Xarah wouldn’t think were laughing at her. He was literally "blown away" at such a young spirit with such non- chalant courage. She didn't think twice. This girl is SERIOUS! So we decided to help her research how to start a kids club and take her seriously. Earlier today, I picked Xarah up at daycare...where she has 3 clubs after school during the week. Zoology Animal Club, Girls Club (based on healthy self-esteem building) and healing self-care group. Today her daycare teacher, Shannon, tells me that she hears Xarah is starting a girls club! I have my "A-ha'' moment! So THIS is where she was inspired!* This group has really had a big impact on this girl! Today, her grade one teacher told her "You have to let boys in." So we decided tonight after a talk that girls club is not a good name. Xarah identifies that her mission statement is about not judging based on skin or culture. It’s about being nice. No bullying. So we come up with club activities on the computer to help her accomplish. We read to her several games and she chooses the ones she likes and writes them down. One of the activities is for the kids to create a song about healthy self-esteem. We remember the song Carver sang and played with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra called "One people" which is all about how we all come from the same creator. "We are all one people" THAT is the kids’ group name! WE ARE ONE. We Are One kids group. We vote. All in favour! Done. After a few hours of us assisting Xarah, Glen says... "It’s a big commitment Xarah." She replies "I can run this group because a girl at daycare started one." Glen then asks "So how old is this girl who started this girls club...and what grade is she in then?" and Xarah replies ”She is in no grade Glen. She’s my daycare teacher Shannon and she's 27 years old! "
Let her journey begin!
