Did you know that October 11th is the International Day of the Girl? The UN has declared this day with a mission to “help galvanize worldwide enthusiasm for goals to better girls’ lives, providing an opportunity for them to show leadership and reach their full potential.”
After hearing this definition, Emilia smiled and said, “just like we’re doing here!” Smiling nods of agreement passed around our table.
After a quick name game, we headed down to the boat shop. There we got to see the shop space we’ll be working in (thanks to Scott Jones, NWMC boat shop manager for getting us organized), meet our boat, and learn to use some of the tools.
Each girl got a chance to use the bandsaw and drill press, under the supervision of Lara and Chrissy. Kat showed everyone how to mark a line using a combination square and make a cut using a pull saw.
Meeting our boat
Chloe at the bandsaw
Inspecting our tool kits (thanks to sponsorship from Sistership!)
Fiona at the bandsaw
Lizzy changing a drill bit
Emma using the drill press
Lizzy using the pull saw
Emma and her dad laying out the cut
As we came close to snack time, the group had to make a decision– change modes and head out for quick tour on Martha J to enjoy the weather and our snack, or snack on land and return to the shop for more tool work. It was a tough decision but after thinking about it the girls decided to take advantage of the nice weather.
Decision time
We enjoyed our snack on the water, were visited by a couple of harbor seals, and each girl got a chance to drive the boat.
Snack time!
Emma finding her landmark
At the end of the day we thought about two reflection questions: “What was my favorite part of the day and what do I wish every girl in the world could experience.”
Some of our favorite parts were: driving the boat, using tools (especially the bandsaw), developing our skills, and the feeling of our new shop space.
What we hoped every girl in the world could experience: learning how to drive a boat, learning how to build a boat, equal rights and opportunities as men, equal opportunities for education (especially going to college), learning how to use tools, having a safe space to develop friendships with other women, and having the emotional and physical support of other women.
We are so proud to be strong girls and women!
Fiona at the helm