NCJWA Empowering Girls

The Jam Project year 9 mentoring program opens

The Jam Project provides year 9 girls in the Jewish community with an unparalleled opportunity for mentorship and personal development.

Jam Project participants prepare Jam Fest 2024. Photo: Supplied
Jam Project participants prepare Jam Fest 2024. Photo: Supplied

The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (Victoria) (NCJWA (Vic)) is excited to announce recruitment for the 2025 cohort of the Jam Project.

The Jam Project provides year 9 girls in the Jewish community with an unparalleled opportunity for mentorship and personal development.

Each participant is paired with a buddy mentor in her 20s and they meet fortnightly in their chosen place.

“Jam is more than a program; it’s a cornerstone of our mission to empower Jewish women across the lifecycle,” said Lisa Ezekiel, CEO of NCJWA (Vic).

“Mentorship is at the heart of our work, equipping teens with the tools to grow into confident leaders.”

One participant said, “It was wonderful to be paired with someone who didn’t judge me and could give me advice on life, without preconceptions.”

Monthly sessions for the entire cohort feature presentations from guest speakers covering topics like resilience, feminism, mental health awareness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, social justice and self-defence.

Jam has hosted inspiring speakers such as Olympic gold medallist Jemima Montag and Ally Watson from Code Like a Girl.

Jam activities help participants build resilience, especially in the face of challenges posed by current social media trends.

Headspace’s latest National Youth Mental Health Survey found that rates of psychological distress continue to be higher among young women aged 15 to 17 years and 18 to 21 than young men, particularly as they navigate academic pressures and body image expectations.

In the post-October 7 world, NCJWA (Vic) is mindful of the need to build resilience as Jewish teens navigate new realities in their high school years, universities, workplaces and beyond.

Jam mentors are individuals who are currently in these settings and can provide valuable insights to their mentees.

Jam is part of NCJWA (Vic)’s tapestry of support for Jewish women at all life stages.

Other initiatives include Caring Mums, Make Space for Her, an accelerator program for female professionals, and a directory promoting gender equality for Jewish women leaders across diverse fields.

Learn more at ncjwavic.org.au/jam.

Register for an information meeting on Thursday, February 20, at 7pm by emailing lisa.ezekiel@ncjwavic.org.au.

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