I searched for a way to acknowledge the women's contribution to the group. I decided that a significant way to recognize the women would be to document their thoughts in a publication for later use in literacy programming. Using the women's words, we created a tiny book of feelings called I feel better about myself. Each of the women received a copy of the booklet and a small gift at the end of the last session.

What Was Learned from the Project

Importance of the Group

As noted earlier, participants reflected about what it had meant for them to be involved in the project. A number of the women wrote about the importance of the group in general, and as a place to share and be listened to.

Women also wrote about changes they had experienced from being in the group.

I would miss the group so much if it stopped.

I don't think we can stop now—we are just getting good!

You start to feel important when people want to listen to you.

I feel better when I have someone to talk to.

Before and After

Before this group I had dreams
Before this group I had an imagination
Before this group I had opportunities to express myself
After being in this group some of my dreams came true
After being in this group I used my imagination
After being in this group I have used the opportunities to express myself
—Natalia