Puberty, Body Positivity and Boundaries: An Engaging Session by Bold Phase Initiative at MGIS

9 October 2026

Learning through conversation, laughter and participation.

What happens when you give teenagers a safe space to ask questions, share their thoughts and talk openly about growing up?

You get a room filled with energy, laughter, curiosity and some very meaningful conversations!

On October 9 2026, Bold Phase Initiative visited Millennium Global International School (MGIS) for an engaging session with Year 7–9 students, aged 11–15, under its No Filter adolescents' programme.

From the beginning, the atmosphere was warm, lively and welcoming. Students participated freely, answered questions and asked follow-up questions without shying away from the discussions.

One activity that got everyone involved was the Simon Says icebreaker. It brought energy into the room and helped create a relaxed environment where students could participate comfortably.

The session demonstrated that important lessons about growing up do not always have to come through formal presentations. Sometimes, interactive activities and open conversations make the messages easier to understand and remember.

Beyond menstruation: Understanding adolescence.

The session explored several important aspects of adolescence, including puberty, menstruation and menstrual health management (MHM), body positivity, feelings, friendships, peer pressure and personal boundaries.

Rather than focusing on menstruation alone, the team took a broader approach to help students understand themselves, navigate relationships and feel more confident as they grow up.

Learning about puberty and embracing our bodies.

Puberty comes with changes, questions and new experiences. For young adolescents, understanding these changes and learning that growing up is a natural process can make a real difference.

The discussion created an opportunity for students to engage with the topic of puberty and reflect on the physical and emotional changes that come with adolescence.

Closely connected to this was body positivity—the importance of appreciating our bodies, treating ourselves with kindness and developing a healthier relationship with ourselves.

These conversations matter because adolescence is a time when young people are learning more about who they are. Creating space for them to discuss their experiences helps reinforce the importance of self-acceptance, confidence and respect for others.

Understanding that boundaries are different for everyone.

One of the most memorable activities focused on personal boundaries.

Two students stood facing each other, and one was asked to walk towards the other until the second student said, “Stop.”

It was a simple demonstration, but it opened up an important conversation: we do not all have the same perception of personal space and boundaries.

What feels comfortable to one person may make another uncomfortable. This is why it is important to communicate our boundaries clearly, listen when someone expresses discomfort and respect the limits others set for themselves.

The activity brought the concept of boundaries to life, helping students reflect on what respect looks like in their everyday interactions and relationships.

Feelings are valid. How we express them matters.

Another important conversation centred on feelings and how we respond to them.

As young people navigate adolescence, they experience different emotions and situations that can sometimes be difficult to understand or manage. Students were encouraged to think about how they respond when experiencing negative feelings.

One key message stood out:

STOP. PAUSE. Find a better way to express yourself.

Rather than reacting immediately, students were encouraged to take a moment, recognise what they were feeling and consider a healthier way to communicate those feelings.

The discussions also explored friendships, peer pressure and relationships, encouraging students to think about the connections they build, how they treat others and the importance of mutual respect.

Beyond the classroom.

Students were also introduced to opportunities to engage with Bold Phase Initiative through activities such as article writing, art symposiums and charity projects.

These opportunities provide avenues for continued participation, self-expression and community involvement beyond the classroom.

Creating space for young people to grow.

The session was facilitated by four members of the Bold Phase Initiative team: Milka Juma, Nyarinda Moraa, Michelle Akinyi and Gloria Juma. The team appreciated the students' enthusiasm and willingness to participate, alongside the support provided by the MGIS teachers.

The visit was a reminder that conversations about adolescence must go beyond one topic. Young people need opportunities to understand puberty, appreciate their bodies, manage their feelings, build healthy friendships and learn to establish and respect boundaries.

Creating safe spaces for honest conversations is an important part of supporting adolescents as they navigate the different stages of growing up.

Because growing up comes with questions, and every young person deserves accurate information, understanding and a safe space to ask them.

Written by Ms Stephanie Malika