The Positive Attitude

The authors of that report and our key informants note that girls from ethno-specific communities may have additional familial roles, including child minding, interpreting, and even maintaining their culture for the entire family. These roles must be acknowledged and accommodated in creative ways to enable girls to fully participate and benefit from the programming that is available to them. For most girls, family support or some involvement of families in their programs can make a significant difference in ensuring that positive attitudes, behaviors and skills they are learning “stick” once their participation in a program is over. One key informant mentioned her surprise that girls wanted to have their mothers involved in their program – the program leader’s assumption was that this was not OK, not “cool.” Another program makes a point of inviting the girls’ families to a gala viewing of their films to highlight the skills and talents they have developed through the program.