LotusProject

The Lotus Project is a program to encourage young women to strengthen their inner selves in order to reach their full potential and to recognize the value and beauty each possess. The Lotus Project was the idea of teacher, LaRissa Paras, who continually witnessed students struggling with self image issues and feelings of desperation. When the opportunity to submit a grant proposal to the Greenville Youth Advisory Council came up in 2011, Paras jumped at the opportunity to make The Lotus Project a reality. Because of the continued success of the Lotus Project, another grant has been awarded for this school year. 

The Lotus Project is built on the principles of sisterhood, inner strength, confidence, health, relationships, gratitude, and responsibility. All of these elements put together equal true beauty. The young ladies will be participating in small group discussions (led by amazing mentors) and large group seminars following the aforementioned threads, as well as being involved in other activities including, but not limited to, taking yoga and self defense classes, professional photo shoots, visits from nutritionists and doctors, and will be encouraged to volunteer in the area. The students will also be guided through a series of challenges that involve journaling and self-portraits that encourage the young women to turn their perceived negatives into positives, and stress the uniqueness we should all celebrate!