October 2022

For International Day of the Girl, you can meet SFI at the intersection of Arts and Education.

“International Day of the Girl Child” was declared an international day of observance by the United Nations in 2011 to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face worldwide. Eleven years later the International Day of the Girl has grown and expanded - much like the South Fulton Institute - to champion equity, access, and empowerment.

Many went to social media this past week to observe the International Day of the Girl. I saw friends flooding their feeds with posts of empowerment and education - STEM education. I also observed that most of the women posting about STEM education are avid supporters of the ARTS. Post from educated and passionate women speaking up for girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math BUT not one mention of the Arts. 

Why is the ARTS being left out? From my previous blog posts, you know that I support STEAM education. From creative problem-solving, data processing and visualization, and innovative design solutions to increased empathy, social awareness, and new discoveries aided by collaborative learning, we know that the ARTS can have a profound and lasting impact on each of us. 

Driven by the STEAM educational model, the South Fulton Institute recognizes the importance of these values through our School Based partner programs across South Fulton. By fostering partnerships between schools, local artists, and ARTS organizations, we provide high-quality arts and environmental programming and increase accessibility. Already this year, we have brought transformative artistic experiences to over 6500 school-age youth in our seven partner schools throughout the historically under-invested communities of South Fulton County. 

(Photo Credit: Palmetto Elementary School)

I firmly believe that we need more women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. I also think that empowering girls in the ARTS inspires strong leaders in those fields. If you're looking for a simple way for you or your organization to help support ARTS programs to South Fulton youth, supporting an art supply drive is a perfect opportunity. 

Please view our LIVE Earth Art supply drive, created in partnership with school administrators, and join SFI at the intersection of art, education, and the environment.

Yours in community,

Jennifer Bauer-Lyons
Executive Director