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A Day to Dream: A Dream Day in Johannesburg
There is something special about a room full of girls discovering that they have a voice, a purpose and a future worth dreaming about.
Recently, together with our facilitators from Riverside Community Church in Johannesburg, we had the joy of hosting a Dream Day, bringing together around 60 girls for a day filled with conversations, learning, laughter, music and encouragement.
The Dream Day is designed to give girls a safe space to explore important topics as they navigate the transition into adolescence. Throughout the day, the girls had the opportunity to learn more about identity, belonging, purpose, puberty, menstruation and healthy boundaries.
Learning together
A huge highlight of the day was the incredible team of facilitators who joined us. They did an amazing job leading table discussions, creating spaces where the girls could ask questions, share their experiences and engage honestly with the topics being discussed.
Rather than simply sitting and listening, the girls were encouraged to participate, discuss and think about how what they were learning applies to their own lives. Watching the facilitators build such positive connections with the girls was a reminder of how powerful it can be when young people have trusted adults willing to listen to them and walk alongside them.
What did the girls think?
At the end of the day, we asked the girls what they enjoyed about the Dream Day and their responses showed just how much they had taken away from the experience.
Learning about their bodies and puberty was one of the biggest highlights. Many girls said they appreciated learning about things they didn't previously understand:
“I liked the program because they were teaching us what we don't know.”
“I liked that they were telling us about puberty and I learnt a lot.”
“I like that we learnt about changes in our body.”
The girls also highlighted the messages around body confidence, self-love and dignity. Several spoke about learning to appreciate and care for their bodies:
“I learned about how special I am and my body is beautiful the way it is.”
“I learned that I should take care of my body and respect my puberty.”
“I like what they taught us how to love your body.”
The practical sessions were also memorable, with girls mentioning the demonstrations and learning about menstrual products:
“They were teaching us about period and how to use them.”
And, of course, there was plenty of fun! The girls particularly enjoyed the games, Dream Diary activities, singing and dancing.
Together, their responses show that the Dream Day was not just about giving girls information. It was about creating an environment where they could learn, ask questions, discover more about themselves and be reminded of their worth.
A song, a dance and a powerful reminder
One of the most memorable moments of the day was seeing the girls singing and dancing together to a song inspired by Ecclesiastes 4:9:
“Two are better than one. For they can help each other succeed…”
The room came alive as the girls joined in, and it was a beautiful picture of friendship, community and the importance of having people around us who support and encourage us.
Practical support for their menstrual health
Another important part of the day was giving each girl the opportunity to choose between receiving a pack of disposable sanitary pads or a pack of reusable pads.
The reusable pads proved particularly popular. Earlier in the Dream Day, the girls had learned about how reusable pads work, how to use them and how to care for them. Having the opportunity to then choose a pack for themselves meant that the girls could put what they had learned into practice.
More than just a day
While a Dream Day takes place over just one day, our hope is that the conversations continue long afterwards.
We want every girl who attends a Dream Day to leave knowing that she has dignity, she belongs, her body is worth understanding and caring for, and her future is worth dreaming about.
Our Johannesburg Dream Day was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when girls are given the space to learn, ask questions, laugh together and imagine what is possible.
A huge thank you to the school, our incredible facilitators and everyone who helped make the day possible. Most importantly, thank you to the girls who showed up ready to learn, participate and dream.
