Educate and Empower Girls in Mexico

Launched in 2017, this effort is a partnership between Yo Quiero Yo Puedo, Nike, and other allies. Today, PLAY MORE — ACTIVE SCHOOLS is in 132 schools, it has supported more than 278 physical education teachers who have impacted more than 15,000 girls. This school year it is working with 46 schools, 110 students and 7,500 girls.

 The program works with girls at a crucial stage in human development (ages 6 to 12), whose results are reflected in significant benefits in terms of education and empowerment. Participation in physical activities has not only promoted physical health, but has also impacted the cognitive and emotional development of girls, according to testimonies shared in the stories of physical education teachers. Likewise, girls have shown a greater ability to solve problems and develop critical thinking skills, which contributes positively to their educational experience. Additionally, participation in physical activities has brought the community together, fostering teamwork and building social skills among girls and boys. Playing on a team or participating in sports not only improved coordination and physical dexterity, but also taught them valuable lessons about the importance of collaboration and communication. These soft skills are critical to success not only in the educational environment, but also in everyday life and future career paths. Along the same lines, the girls have managed changes in their daily lives inside and outside of school, which demonstrate an increase in their self-confidence and self-esteem, which have been acquired through physical activities. When girls experience personal achievements through sport or participation in physical activities, they develop and communicate a positive self-image. This sense of accomplishment not only translates into physical confidence, but is also reflected in confidence in their academic abilities and their ability to overcome challenges.

 Join our effort and be part of empowering thousands of girls in Mexico!

“The Play More – Active Schools Program” not only benefits their physical health, but also has positive impacts on their education and empowerment. By encouraging participation in physical activities, the seeds are being sown for a future where these girls become confident, capable and empowered women, ready to face challenges with determination and resilience.

With your support we will ensure that more girls become agents of change in their schools, families and communities

Links:

• Web page Yo quiero Yo Puedo

The girls, mainly those who live in contexts of social vulnerability in Mexico, face many risks due to their sex, age, ethnicity, and economic situation. These issues put them at a greater risk of suffering gender violence in general, and as well as access and permanence in school, early pregnancies and precarious economic and future employment opportunities, which limits their possibilities to choose a life project, based on their rights.

Our program for empowering girls in school settings promotes the strengthening of their life skills and transmit notions that allow them to recognize their rights, the types and expressions of violence, the changes they are or will be going through during adolescence, the right everyone has over their own body, and their own life project. To achieve this change, it has been necessary to raise awareness, acceptance and change of attitudes of all the key actors involved –boys, parents and teachers.

The voices of the girls who have participated in our program, exclaim:

 "Everyone, girls or boys, everyone has the same rights." (Girl, 14 years)

"Right to study, right to speak". (Girl, 12 years)

"I have the right to equality, to be treated the same as other people." (Girl, 13 years)

A central aspect of girls' empowerment is recognizing their right to physical activity and sport. The “Play More Active Schools” project has impacted 7427 girls in the 2022 - 2023 school year, changing their aspirations and perspectives towards a better future. Through specific initiatives such as inclusive physical education classes, and extracurricular soccer classes, we have empowered girls to envision a future full of potential and possibilities. By emphasizing the importance of physical activity and sport as integral components of personal development, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Girls are now not only taking advantage of their physical abilities but also recognizing the value of teamwork, discipline and perseverance that sports instill. As a result, they are not only excelling in their sporting activities, but also channeling this newfound confidence and determination into various aspects of their lives. This holistic approach, along with the support of their parents, has paved the way for the girls to push themselves harder and ultimately unleash their true potential.

 Help us reach more schools in Mexico!

With your valuable support, you can be part of the change that is moving the world, empowering girls to become the mains characters of their own lives!

Links:

• Web page Yo quiero Yo Puedo