Preparing for Success: Helping Girls Take the Next Step
For Grade 12 girls, finishing school can bring both excitement and uncertainty. What should I study? What career might suit me? What if my family cannot afford university? And if I need to work, how can I find a safe opportunity?
On 12 September 2022, Pratthanadee Foundation delivered the Preparing for Success Workshop to 88 Grade 12 girls at Phana Suksa School in Amnat Charoen Province, with support from St. Stephen's International School.
The workshop came at an important time, as the girls were approaching the end of secondary school and beginning to make decisions about further education, careers, and work.
📈 Turning Uncertainty into Possible Next Steps
The workshop gave girls space to reflect on their strengths, interests, and experiences before connecting them with possible education and career pathways.
They explored different occupations, considered university, vocational and other education routes, and discussed practical ways to prepare for employment safely.
This guidance was particularly relevant for the group. Nearly one in three girls had not yet decided on a preferred career, while 42% were unsure whether they would attend university or believed they would not. Financial concerns were also significant, with many girls expecting that money could become a barrier to continuing their education.
Rather than telling girls which path to choose, the workshop encouraged them to understand their options and think more clearly about what might work for their own circumstances.
Rather than telling girls which path to choose, the workshop encouraged them to understand their options and think more clearly about what might work for their own circumstances.
“Before, I Could Not Decide”
Girls’ feedback showed that the opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan was valuable.
82% rated the workshop positively for helping them better understand themselves and their options, while 90% gave positive ratings to the information on further education pathways and safer employment.
One girl shared:
I gained so much.— Feedback from participantBefore, I could not decide, but today I was able to make a decision. Thank you for helping me find an answer.
Another reflected:
The activity helped me review my life— Feedback from participantand future and use a thoughtful process to plan what comes next.
For girls approaching one of the first major transitions of their lives, having the chance to explore possibilities can be just as important as having all the answers.
We are grateful to St. Stephen's International School for supporting this opportunity for 88 girls to better understand themselves, explore their choices, and take their next steps with greater direction.