Conference promotes self-esteem in young females

One hundred and twenty girls from across the yellowhead region took part in the Go Girl Conference on Saturday, April 18 at the Jasper Activity Centre.

The full-day event started off with an address by Andrea Holwegner, who bills herself as the Chocoholic Dietitian. She emphasized eating healthily but also eating “soulfully”, or finding an appropriate balance between healthy and unhealthy foods.

Later, the girls, all aged 11 to 15, took part in different sessions such as kayaking, yoga, dancing and skateboarding. 

The day was intended to give young girls the opportunity to get involved, as those in their early teens are susceptible to low self-esteem. 

“We’re here to promote healthy living and physical activity,” said Anna DeClercq, chair of the Go Girl Committee. “Basically, research shows that at this age, girls’ self-esteem as they’re going through puberty starts to decrease, so it’s a little bit of a booster to get girls out there and have their own thing.”

Each girl took part in three sessions chosen from about 15 options offered.

Sessions were led by area volunteers and the event was sponsored by the Municipality of Jasper, the Town of Edson, Yellowhead County, InMotion Network, Dove Self Esteem Fund, Alberta Health Services, and HIV West Yellowhead.