A New Structure for GLOW/TOBE

In the last couple of years, GLOW/TOBE Moldova has significantly changed its training program.   The new model is for Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) to train a Moldovan adult/older youth leader to facilitate GLOW/TOBE events (rather than the PCVs being the leaders).  We recognize Moldovans are the best people to understand the areas of need for youth in their respective communities, and we know Moldovans are the ones who will lead their youth, communities, and country to success in the years to come.  I think of the words of Lilla Watson who said, "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting our time.  But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together."  I long to give as many opportunities for personal growth and leadership opportunities to youth as possible and so does the GLOW/TOBE Leader with whom I've been working.  Because we share this goal and we want youth to be as free and empowered as possible, we can work together toward this goal. 

Planning Process

I feel so lucky to have found Elena in my community.  She's a teacher of English, a passionate leader, and fully capable and focused in all she does.  Last fall, I introduced her to the idea of GLOW/TOBE and asked if she would like to go through the training program with me.  She responded, "Yes, anything to help the youth in our community!" The GLOW/TOBE Training Program consists of ten meetings all focused on preparing for a specific event, such as a workshop, camp, seminar, or round table discussion.  The training covers these particular areas:

·         Introduction to GLOW/TOBE

·         Needs Assessment

·         Development of agenda with goals, objectives, and theme

·         Development of activities within the event

·         Logistics

·         Fundraising and publicity

·         Modeling and simulation of event

·         Final check-in

·         Evaluation

I can honestly say the process has been rewarding, and I think we have both learned about ourselves.  I learned that time flies with this training and that although the program seems to be long, it's actually very short.  Additionally, the planning process is simply there to assist you in covering everything you need to do to facilitate a quality event.  

The Workshop

After a few months of planning (more or less one hour a week or less), Elena led a workshop for ten 10th grade girls, focused on self-esteem and self-confidence.   At the start of the workshop, the girls were less than thrilled to be there, but by the end, they were talkative, engaged, and wondering when the next event would be.  When we told them we wished to have a GLOW Leadership Camp this summer and that we needed junior counselors with high self-esteem, many of them jumped in to volunteer! 

During the workshop, we introduced them to GLOW/TOBE.  We utilized this activity, which required them to work and communicate in pairs, develop a strategy as a team, and improve as a whole.  They then met in the middle, representing a central meeting point and target.  

GLOW's mission is to empower Moldovan young women to become creative, confident, and action-oriented leaders in the workplace, community, and home.  We focused most on creating confident leaders during this workshop.  Through interactive activities, Elena discussed with the girls the definition of self-esteem, real-world circumstances which impact self-esteem positively or negatively, and how to improve one's self-esteem.  This video was presented, indicating how mass media may falsely portray the image of feminine beauty:

Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of recognizing one's own health and beauty, encouraging participants to focus on one's unique strengths and abilities.

By Laura Demmel