Low self-esteem? Why not slap on some lippy.
A program, designed by the Hillsong Church, for young women with low self-esteem, and other issues, teaches them a range of skills to over come their problems. The course includes instruction for the girls on how to put on make-up, do their hair and nails and learn to walk with books balanced on their heads.
The course has found it’s way into New South Wales public schools, community organisations and even the NSW juvenile justice system.
Concerned teachers and parents worry that the under-qualified facilitators are just reinforcing gender stereotypes rather than helping the girls overcome their problems.
“Over the last two or three years teachers have been coming to us with concerns about Shine,” said the president of the Hills Teachers Association, Sui-Linn White. “It is the gender stereotypes that they are imposing. The focus on skin care, nail care, hair care - it objectifies women … These are things women fought against for centuries - they’ve got no place in a public school.”
A parent, Hugh Wilson, is concerned that this is yet another attempt to get religion into schools, “In our view, this is a way of getting religion into schools through subterranean means. The principal or the chaplain decides it’s a good idea and, next thing you know, your kids are being taught about make-up by the Hillsong Church.”
The church claims that parents have been overwhelmingly supportive of the program.
