On the weekend of Friday, November 16th, 200 Sacramento young teen girls, ages 12 to 18, participated in the two-day 22nd Annual D.I.V.A Conference hosted by National Black Child Development Institute Sacramento at Cosumnes River College. Live entertainment, engaging workshops and a DIVA Panel provided motivation, encouragement and informed the young girls on topics important to their future; Entering The College Zone, Friendships/Relationships, Get Your Money Right, as well as parent workshops. “Closer to My Dreams” was this years theme, “youth group, Super Divas, created the theme and suggestions of event topics”, explained Sharon Saffold, President of National Black Child Development Institute Sacramento. She also expressed, “the overall vision is to have young girls come together, share each others troubles and allow support through friendships and sisterhood.”
NBCDI advances a multi-faceted agenda to promote and protect the well-being of all African American children. NBCDI’s wide range of programs respond to the necessity to replace the one-size fits-all, deficit-oriented paradigm with initiatives that serve children based on their strengths and needs. Our programs assist children and families who are experiencing challenges in the areas of early care and education, health, parenting, education, and child welfare. The Sacramento affiliate is one of 27 affiliate chapters throughout the United States composed of volunteers who are not only reaching out to African American children; we’re connecting with them in ways that make a difference. NBCDI also serves as a resource to people who are professionally and personally committed to children and families.
“Closer to My Dreams”, themed event, educated the young girls with tools to confidently make every decision, explore every opportunity and overcome every struggle. All participants were shown to draw closer to their goals and successes that life holds for them, teaching them to never give up on those dreams and stay on course. Community youth leaders Rene West, Monica Jones and Leah Albright Byrd, to name a few of supporters on this project.
To be involved in the next DIVA Conference 2013 or more info, go to www.bcdisacramento.org
Submitted by Contributing Staff Writer, Mogul Mioshi
