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Boosting Confidence in Teenage Girls

August 26, 2026

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Narrative 4 delivered a summer program called ‘Connect 4’ to equip young teenage girls to make positive changes in their community through the power of stories and art. 

Children and adolescents can struggle with insecurity and self-doubt. School and peer pressures can make these feelings worse. Narrative 4 in Limerick, Ireland, wanted to help inner-city migrant girls build confidence and overcome self-doubt.

They designed a summer program ‘Connect 4’ to equip young teenage girls to make positive changes in their community through the power of stories and art. 

Narrative 4 has delivered the program twice in 2026. During that time, the team has seen girls grow in confidence and form new connections. Rachel Gleeson, Executive Director of Narrative 4 Ireland said.

“At an age when young people can experience so much pressure to fit in or doubt their own abilities, it is incredibly important that girls have spaces where they feel heard, valued and encouraged to express themselves.” 

“Connect 4 gives participants the opportunity to find their voice, support one another and recognise the positive contribution they can make to their communities. Seeing the girls become more confident in themselves and in their ideas has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.”

RTÉ Toy Show Grants funded the program. In total, 33 girls aged 11–17 took part in activities that encouraged creativity, confidence and personal growth

Supporting Youth

Part of the two week program was introducing the participants to new role models. They met with former soccer international player Jackie McCarthy-O’Brien who played for Ireland in a distinguished sporting career.

Aya, 13 from Limerick said

“Connect 4 was such a fantastic experience, the people, the atmosphere and just being there made me feel so happy”

In the News

Irish national radio station RTÉ Radio 1 highlighted the project on the show Reignite presented by Áine Kerr. Listen to the segment here.

Find out more about how you can bring Narrative 4 to your campus here or your school here.