For some of the girls who attended Global Light Teens’ first TreasureHer school outreach, a conversation about self-discovery revealed something they had not fully considered before: the possibility that their gifts could become something meaningful to others.
During the outreach held on Wednesday, 28 October, at Christoline Schools in Ikorodu, Lagos, six girls identified story writing as one of their gifts. Their discovery inspired Global Light Teens (GLTeens) to launch a storybook-writing challenge that will offer a publishing grant to support the selected winner in producing her first storybook.
The outreach brought together 85 girls for an interactive session designed to help them understand their worth, recognise their abilities and make choices guided by their values. Organised under the TreasureHer Project in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the initiative creates space for adolescent girls to explore who they are and what they can become.
For GLTeens, the goal extends beyond helping girls feel confident. It is also about helping them recognise the possibilities within themselves and giving them opportunities to develop those abilities.
Facilitated by social development expert Mercy Igwe and Funmilayo Ojeleye, Director and Co-founder of Global Light Teens, the session introduced participants to practical tools for understanding identity, discovering strengths and building healthy boundaries.
Through the T.R.E.A.S.U.R.E identity framework, the girls explored the idea that their worth is not determined by their appearance, background, achievements or comparison with others. The My SMARTS framework helped them recognise different forms of intelligence and ability, while the 3Fs Model — Fun, Free and Fee — encouraged them to think about how their interests and abilities could connect to service and future career opportunities.
Participants also explored the CRISP Model, which identifies different ways people contribute through creativity, restoration, innovation, problem-solving and prevention. The SHINE values framework reinforced self-respect, honour, integrity, nurture and excellence.
Discussions also addressed relationships, personal boundaries and the difference between people who genuinely invest in a young person’s growth and those who seek to exploit them. The girls were encouraged to recognise unhealthy situations, understand their right to say no and make decisions that protect their wellbeing.
Each participant received a copy of the Girl, You Are a Treasure journal to support continued reflection beyond the session. The girls also made a personal pledge: “Know your worth. Grow your gifts. Live your values.”
For Ojeleye, starting these conversations early is essential to helping girls navigate the pressures they encounter as they grow up.
“We need to start these conversations early with young people, especially adolescent girls. Girls are growing up in a world where they face different pressures and challenges, and we want them to understand their worth, recognise their gifts and learn to make choices that are good for them,” she said.
The storybook-writing challenge is one way GLTeens intends to turn self-discovery into action. Through the initiative, the organisation hopes to encourage young writers, nurture their creativity and help a girl take an important first step towards becoming a published author. GLTeens is seeking partners and supporters to contribute to the challenge through funding, editing, illustration, book production and mentorship.
The organisation also plans to continue engaging girls through school visits and online mentorship, while developing programmes that support boys as well.
The first TreasureHer outreach was supported by LifeHub Global, Haven of the Hopeless Foundation, Daxx Academy, Buttersprings Media, Christoline Schools and volunteers.
Organisations and individuals interested in supporting the storybook challenge or partnering with GLTeens can reach the team at globallightteens@gmail.com, visit globallightteens.org, or connect through @globallightteens. The team can also be reached on +234 813 805 8244.
About Global Light Teens
Global Light Teens is committed to supporting young people through initiatives that promote self-discovery, personal development and values-led living. Through the TreasureHer Project, GLTeens works to help girls recognise their worth, develop their gifts and make informed choices as they grow.
