Four years ago, the school approached KBECET, the Combined Local Churches board, inviting them to start a Shine program at the school.

Shine is a personal development program for year 8 girls at Kiama High, run by a team of women volunteers from the area’s churches, and under the management of KBECET.

The program began in 2013.

Each term,  staff choose 15 students to participate.   

Program co-ordinator Jeanine Maxwell said there were four volunteers on the team each term, in order to provide small group discussions and personal interaction with participants. 

The women on the Shine team have backgrounds in teaching, counselling, social work, nursing, administration and youth leadership.

Mrs Maxwell said the course was built on Christian values, that every girl’s life was unique and precious, and had intrinsic value and purpose.

She said it was a challenge, a privilege and a joy to ‘‘speak into these girls’ lives’’. 

‘‘They are taught to be aware of their value, develop their strengths and to make good decisions and lead a purposeful life,’’ she said. 

Year 9 student Olivia Scerri completed the course last year, and said it was fun and helpful.

‘‘They taught you to be more confident,’’ she said.

‘‘One time we did a make-up program where they taught us how to be natural but still beautiful.

‘‘We learnt about bullying ... How to handle bullying, how to maybe help someone if they’re getting bullied.’’

As a new group of students begins the program this week,  Mrs Maxwell said they aimed to assist with issues related to self-esteem, personal development and help them have a sense of their value.

Organisers continue to modify the program, seeking to be more relevant to participants’ needs.

Special guests who have overcome difficulties in their lives visit Shine sessions to relay their personal stories. 

‘‘Help them make some decisions that are going to be good for them, and to find a real purpose and a meaning in their lives,’’ Mrs Maxwell said.

‘‘I think to know that they are worthwhile people (is most important), to know that they are very valuable, and there’s an important purpose for them being here in this world.’’