Education of young girls to self-reliance A case study in Laura Vicuna Centre for education and rehabilitation of destitute and marginalized young girls in Lubumbashi/republic democratic of Congo - MWAMBA, Florence Malunga (Nairobi, 2007)
This study was carried out in Laura Vicuna Centre in Lubumbashi D. R. Congo. It aimed at investigating holistic ways to educate the young girls to be self-reliant. This study wanted to focus on education of young girls beyond the formal way of education. It scrutinizes the eraring practices that socialize the girl child and search for possible elements which would need to be addressed in view of planning an effective education program on self-reliance for young girls. Participant observation, informal and formal interviews as well as a simple questionnaire were used as method of collecting data. The young girls in LVC, the staff, the visitors and the sisters participated in the course of this study. The data collected was analysed by using tables, charts and graphics. The study found out that rearing practices stand as a backbone in creating a child$1 (Bs world view. The education acquired at home has a great influence on the way the child will integrate the knowledge received in school as well as the relationships with friends and society at large. The researcher found out that there are four main areas of concern in the children$1 (Bs rearing practices that contribute to the marginalization of the girl child. These areas are named by the researcher as (1) mother image, (2) marriage, (3) finance, (4) security. The study also found out that there are behaviours and attitudes in the girl child, such as low esteem, lack of confidence and trust in one self which are consequences of gender biased rearing practices. Certain elements of gender disparity which are passed on through the rearing practices are rooted in cultures and traditions that consider women as weak and incapable of taking care of themselves financially, emotionally and physically. The basic method of education used by LVC is the preventive method as recommended by Don Bosco. (3z(BContrary to the repressive system, that consists in making the subjects know the law and in surveying to discover the transgressors and inflict the deserved punishment, the preventive system consists in making the prescriptions and regulations known and then survey in such a way that the pupils may always have over them the vigilant eye of the director or assistants who, as loving mothers, may speak, guide, offer counsels and correct lovingly. (Projet Laura Vicuna) This study established that education to self-reliance empowers the young girls with conviction that they can take care of themselves. It has been proved in the way the young girls in LVC have changed their formal habits of providing for their basic needs. Lastly, this study recommends to all parents and educators, to approach children$1 (Beducation in a holistic way. First of all to trust in the power, goodness and capacity with which God has gifted every child. Then, to keep in mind that an integral education can allow a young person to be fully alive and participate actively in the life of the society, regardless of his/her gender. This study calls upon all educators to take time in journeying with the young ones so as to help them to discover their power from within that can make them protagonist of change in in themselves and in the society.s