The Butterfly University introduces the concept of the butterfly as a symbol of transformation and supports the notion that change is possible during all stages of a person’s life.  It emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding oneself in search for one’s purpose in life.  It also suggests that the only constant in life is change and offers a formula for transformation. The Butterfly University offers  curricula containing culturally enriched exercises and activities designed to promote self- awareness, financial literacy,  increase self self-esteem, create a positive self self-image, build character, and develop leadership skills.  Our experiential curricula emphasizes the importance of defining a mission in the lives of young female adolescents, helping participants make a connection between their life’s purpose, and their responsibilities to themselves, their families, and the community at large. It also teaches participants the importance of community involvement, and while promoting spiritual, physical and cultural awareness.
Adolescence and young adulthood can be a difficult rites of passage, especially for girls facing both rapid personal change and tough community issues.  Project Butterfly focuses on the importance of building a solid resource base and internal and external support system.  Providing an innovative approach to re-orientating perspectives, ideas and behavior to create adaptive and flexible means of reaching the goal of supporting the holistic well being of our girls.

Resources

“Project Butterfly is a treasury of wisdom, and the accompanying workbook is engaging and meticulously thought out. Together they go deep in offering our daughters the strengths they will need traveling the challenging road to womanhood: a passion for learning, critical thinking and self-esteem. Niambi Jaha-Echols has given a great gift to Black girls.”

 
                     - Susan L. Taylor

                    Founder, National Cares Mentoring  Movement

                    Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Essence Magazine 

Research

Minority adolescent girls have been disproportionately affected by under-achievement due to low self-esteem.  This condition of low self-esteem is accompanied by a number of psycho-social risk factors.  Compounded with issues of cultural displacement and lack of a stable support system, some minority girls not only struggle with defining themselves, but also lack basic survival skills that can further thwart the normal and healthy development of a productive and secure self identity.