YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Youth Leadership & Development
S.H.A.R.P Sisters
OUR MISSION:
The S.H.A.R.P.
Sister’s primary function is to enrich the overall view of the African –American female adolescent as currently seen by the community and to encourage growth and development that will assist in broadening her perspective on life. We plan to accomplish this goal by providing elements and opportunities for self-growth and development for all participants as a linkage to an enhanced cultural approach which is designed to provide a distinctive outlook, to ingrain tradition and to assist in the development of strong coping mechanisms. Further, it is our goal to educate, embrace, and empower these young women as they become outstanding leaders of our community and that they know individually and collectively that... "YOU HAVE BEEN COUNTED"
AGE GROUP:
The S.H.A.R.P.
Sisters works with girls between the ages of 12-18. We have a group of young adult women and elder adult women that serve as our mentors. Each of them has been certified as Mentors by Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute. Additionally, we have mothers that serve as facilitators for our Girls Circle
Gatherings, guided group discussions.
UNDERSTANDING RITES OF PASSAGE:
In traditional African, Latino and Caribbean cultures, the socialization and development of the young girls of the community were accomplished through a process of rituals and initiations. The rites of passage process required the initiate to gain an understanding of the traditions and values of the community, to demonstrate mastery in their application and to demonstrate a level of preparedness for dealing with the responsibilities and challenges that come with adulthood. It is our goal to maintain these traditions with the SHARP Sisters. Their preparation for this critical stage in their development is holistic in nature and addresses the emotional, personal, physical spiritual and vocational aspects of life. We seek tutelage from every aspect of the community to help impart the knowledge, teach the lessons, apply the discipline and monitor the activities of the girls. At the meetings, we provide presentations on topics ranging from abstinence, financial planning. goal setting, HIV/AIDS, SAT/ACT preparation, and many other subjects.
BYLDI
The Black Youth Leadership Development Institute
(BYLDI)
sponsored by Dr. Mildred McClain of the Harambee House (Savannah, Georgia) is another retreat that the S.H.A.R.P Sisters attend. This retreat not only expands
their leadership abilities, but also broadens cultural horizons and other necessary skills that will develop them into independent critical thinking African American women that become essential members of society.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Reverend Brendolyn L. Jenkins, Executive Director
Ms. Rozlyn Y. Smith, Program Director
The Imani Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 1666
Aiken, South Carolina 29802
(803) 643-0057
sharpsisters@imanigroup.org
501(c)3 Tax Exempt
S.H.A.R.P.
SISTERS RETREAT
During Spring Break the S.H.A.R.P Sisters sponsor “The Gathering”, our annual Youth Leadership Retreat where they leave their familiar environment and embark on an emotional, physical and mental journey where they begin to develop a new concept of self. Just as the African proverb states “It takes a village to raise a child” it also says “So that the child can return and raise the village!” As the young ladies approach their voyage into adulthood, it is the responsibility of the adults to enlighten their minds, bodies and spirits, during retreat so that positive transition and rebirth can occur. This is why we begin “The Gathering” where the young ladies participate in various fitness routines and leadership workshops. The girls also participate in Sister Circles, where they get an opportunity to talk sister to sister without the presence of adults and discuss issues that are
going on in their schools, community and homes. They also discuss how they should react to those issues. The ultimate goal for the participants that attend the S.H.A.R.P. Sisters retreat is that when they return to
their own communities they will become leaders and that their community will be whole, reinforced and equipped for the future.
Aiken, South Carolina
Atlanta, Georgia
Augusta, Georgia
Camden, South Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Jamaica, New York
Savannah, Georgia
B.O.L.D. Brothers
BOLD Brothers is a program of The Imani Group
We are sensitive and culturally aware of the plight of African American Males. We will guide these young men between the ages of 11-18 through an Afrocentric Rites of Passage Initiation that will include Manhood Training with specially trained Mentors. We display tough love, open and honest dialogue, and discipline. We empower these young men to become positive contributors to their family and the community. We engage in academic, cultural and athletic activities that promote healthy lifestyles. We seek to eliminate the “school-to-prison” pipeline through positive reinforcement and behavior modification strategies. We establish career goals and strategies for success. We are structured with an Elders Council that advocate and mediate for young men who are without a positive, strong male presence in their lives.