By Justin Forzano | Fouder and CEO
Late last year we launched our new PLAY4PURPOSE platform for girls in Kumba to come together in a safe space, learn from one another as well as the strong women on our leadership team (Nenne and Caroline), and play the beautiful game.
We had 50 girls turn up to participate! We divided them into 6 teams and they selected team names that represented who they are and/or want to be in the future.
Group A:
Future Dreams
Talented Girls
Role Models
Group B:
Super Empowerment Girls
Girls of Integrity
Ambitious Ladies
After the 6 teams were created, team captains and referees were selected to participate in a training workshop organized by our staff. In addition to learning the rules of the game (for our small-sided 5v5 games that include educational components), they participated in team-building activities and were inspired to activate their own leadership skills to demonstrate their abilities on the soccer field - and more importantly off the field in their everyday life. One of the participants, Grace, shares her experience.
Grace first joined our program 4 years ago and has been actively involved ever since. She says now that the crisis in Cameroon has destabilized the education system and it's nearly impossible for her to attend school, participating in PLAY4PURPOSE competitions is the one thing that keeps her active and lively.
Why does she continue to stay involved after all these years?
"I love playing... because it gives me the opportunity to make friends and showcase my talents."
Youth, like Grace, who are involved in our programs for more than 2 years are 13% more confident in their leadership skills as compared to youth who are in their first year as a participant. They're twice as likely to have completed a community service project in their neighborhood.
Super Empowerment FC (above) is the winner!
The championship was played in December and the winners emerged victorious over Talented Ladies FC (pictured below) with a score of 1-0. Daniela, pictured below, scored the Golden Goal in extra time to secure her team's title as champions of the 2018 girls league in Kumba.
We've got some really exciting things planned for 2019. If you're inspired, consider making another investment in our project to ensure we can continue to empower and educate these young women to become the leaders of today and tomorrow.
Many thanks,
Justin Forzano, Founder and CEO
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