A vibrant and nurturing space where ethnically diverse girls aged 8–18 in Scotland build confidence, celebrate their uniqueness, and grow emotionally, mentally, and physically, all while having fun!
The SUSO Girls Project is a dynamic and empowering initiative, proudly part of the Baba Yangu Foundation’s Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) programme. This project is thoughtfully designed for ethnically diverse girls aged 8–18 in Scotland, offering a safe, nurturing, and culturally affirming space where they can thrive. At the heart of our project, the girls themselves are involved in its design, development, and delivery, ensuring that the programme truly reflects their interests and needs.
We understand the unique challenges faced by ethnically diverse girls in Scotland, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, the impact of racial stigma, and discrimination. Many participants have shared how rare it is to find an environment where their identities are celebrated and understood, and where they feel free to express themselves without judgment. The SUSO Girls Project fills this vital gap, creating strong community connections that help reduce these feelings of isolation and foster a profound sense of belonging. It is a place where every girl feels seen, valued, and empowered to navigate the complexities of growing up in Scotland.
Through the SUSO Girls Project, participants gain a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the programme duration:
Rooted in therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches, we provide a safe space where girls can process experiences and receive vital mental health and well-being check-ins, including one-to-one sessions with an independent Social Worker for personalised support on concerns like stress, self-doubt, and self-harm. This fosters emotional resilience and provides a crucial outlet for open communication.
A core element of our programme is the peer mentoring model. Older girls (aged 16–18) are given the opportunity to step into leadership roles, guiding, supporting, and inspiring younger participants by sharing their lived experiences and practical skills. This creates a powerful cycle of mentorship and growth.
We broaden horizons through career and university information sessions, featuring ethnically diverse women professionals who inspire girls and expand their perspectives on future career paths. The career sessions provide exposure vital for future pathways.
Through engaging workshops and practical sessions, girls build self-assurance, develop essential life skills, and are encouraged to speak up and stand out.
The programme creates a supportive network for both the girls and their families, fostering connections that extend beyond the programme itself and building a wrap-around community of care.
Each cohort ends with a showcase celebrating friendships, growth, and achievements.
At the heart of every session lies good food, good music, and good fun!
Our weekly sessions are a vibrant mix of learning, creativity, and joy. Participants enjoy:
The SUSO Girls Project is more than just a programme; it’s a movement that celebrates the uniqueness of each girl and champions the power of unity and growth. We invite young people, families, funders, and community partners to learn more about how you can join our inspiring sisterhood, support our mission, or get involved with the Baba Yangu Foundation. Together, we can empower ethnically diverse girls to stand up, stand out, and stand strong.
Fill in our sign-up form below!
If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must complete the form on your behalf.
A team member will be in touch shortly to collect more details and let you know when the next meet-up is. You’ll also be connected to the SUSO Boys Youth Forum, a space for ongoing connection and voice.
The SUSO Girls Project is more than just a programme; it’s a movement that celebrates the uniqueness of each girl and champions the power of unity and growth. We invite young people, families, funders, and community partners to learn more about how you can join our inspiring sisterhood, support our mission, or get involved with the Baba Yangu Foundation. Together, we can empower ethnically diverse girls to stand up, stand out, and stand strong.
Fill in our sign-up form below!
If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must complete the form on your behalf.
A team member will be in touch shortly to collect more details and let you know when the next meet-up is. You’ll also be connected to the SUSO Boys Youth Forum, a space for ongoing connection and voice.
Fill in our sign-up form below!
If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must complete the form on your behalf.
A team member will be in touch shortly to collect more details and let you know when the next meet-up is. You’ll also be connected to the SUSO Boys Youth Forum, a space for ongoing connection and voice.
