THE Y.W.C.A.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22211, 14 March 1934, Page 4

THE Y.W.C.A.

THE YOUNGER GIRLS’ WORK. If there is a need where women and girls are concerned the Y.W.C.A. is there to meet that need. The community looks to this organisation to accomplish this, knowing that in past years it has never been failed. In fact this organisation was created as the outcome of a need. During the Crimean War Florence Nightingale needed the assistance of English nurses in Crimea, it was often necessary for them to stay in London 'awaiting the departure of their boat. In those days it was not considered- the thing' for a woman to stay at an hotel, and so a Y.W.C.A. hostel was formed. It was the urgent need of the day, where women and girls were conoerned. Later On in the history of the association there wa» a need for club work in the lives of the younger members of the association. Although we would smile to-day at the prpgrammes of these clubs, at that time it was fulfilling admirably the need of the times. Club work has developed tremendously, and to-day is recognised as one of the freatest po„wers in the education of girls, netead Of small isolated clubs, great improvements have resulted from uniting all girls between 14 and 20 into a band working for the highest ideals of girlhood. In days gone by the older members felt they had to plan and make the programmes for the club girls. Such is not the case to-day; all programmes are planned by the girls for girls, thus educating the individual girl through responsibility. The youth, the vision, the enthusiasm of the younger girls is now recognised as a great contribution to the country. The Girl Citizen Movement in Duneclin meets weekly, and enjoys a programme which includes physical culture under Miss B. Salmond, dramatics, handwork, folk-dancing, debates, vespers, ceremonials, and singing. If you know any girl between 14 and 18 not using the privileges this town is providing through these club activities, send her name to the Y.W.C.A. office—all girls are invited to become members, and by doing so increase their efficiency in home, employment, and in country, and thus attain a greater share of this world’s happiness and joy. '