INTERNATIONAL Day of the Girl Child was celebrated on October11, and according to fashion designer and philanthropist, Sonia Noel, it is vital that “we find ways to empower our girls all over the world”.

Noel has visited many schools and hosted events for young girls in Guyana and the Caribbean for a number of years.
Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA), in collaboration with Women Across Borders, will be hosting a free ‘Confidence Becomes You’ virtual programme on October 25, from 3pm to 5pm for girls, ages 12 to 16.

Noel will be leading the presentation for this programme.
“What can we do to ensure our girls have the opportunity to live their best lives? I have two amazing daughters and a beautiful granddaughter and all three of them ignite my passion to empower girls around the world.  Part of my mission is to instill confidence in our girls so that they are all capable of making a meaningful contribution to the world,” said Noel.
Some of the co-authors from the Women Across Borders Mission will be making presentations for this empowering programme. Bethany Love Hanna is an Intuitive Coach from Arizona and her story was featured in Women Across Borders-With a mission. Antiguan born Tavia Hunt, who is a co-author from Fulfilling Purpose, will be one of the presenters.
She is artistic director at Shiva’s School of Dance and empowering young ladies through the creative arts. Dr Safeeya Mohammed hails from Trinidad and she is the CEO and founder of Sisu Global. Dr Mohamed shared part of her journey in Rising from the Ashes.

Clemencia Godette is an impressive local actress who has been featured in many productions.
She has used her platform to inspire young ladies. Nancy Saiboh is from Cameroon and has done projects for young girls in Africa. She is the Founder of Empower Her Africa. All of these phenomenal women have contributed to young girls in their countries and abroad.  Sonia Noel Foundation has launched many projects that added value to many lives. One of the recent projects was recognising people who are making a difference in a quiet way. The inspiration came from Allan John who died earlier this year. He was a veteran boat captain and Noel’s foster dad. He was from the indigenous community and that is the reason the award was launched during Amerindian Heritage Month. He made invaluable contributions to many lives in an extremely discreet way.

“The true measure of a man or women is measured by the great things they do when the cameras are off and no one is looking. His life and death inspires me to acknowledge people who are making a contribution to humanity without recognition,” said Noel.
SNFCA honoured men and women from the indigenous community for Amerindian Heritage Month. The other honourees were Ovid Williams, Paulette Allicock, Gibson Caesar and Benita

Roberts.  Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar and Palm Court supported this initiative. This will be an annual award for anyone living in Guyana from all races, who are making a difference in their communities. The public will be given an opportunity to nominate a person who is changing lives in a positive way.

“We are encouraging parents and other siblings to register the young girls they think can benefit from this programme. Contact information livingwithintention11@gmail.com or 6848129. Let’s continue to contribute to humanity in whatever ways we can,” said Noel.