Yaya Girls Mission:
The Yaya Girls mission is to create a new class of Ethiopian female role models that will promote gender equality throughout Ethiopia and bring positive changes to their communities. The ultimate goal is to help adolescent girls facing serious life challenges
to become economically self-sufficient, empowered women who can bring positive changes to both themselves and the places in in which they live. A new generation of young Yaya female leaders, empowered and encouraged to fight for gender equality, will help
redefine the deep-seated societal norms that unfairly burdens girls and women throughout Ethiopia.
My Mission:
I am Patryk Klos, current student of the ISMB Bachelor program in Amsterdam, a huge sport fanatic and a strong believer in sports as a development tool. My mission is to work and live with the Yaya Girls from end of January 2015 to beginning of April 2015,
serving as a teacher, coach and working to further develop and promote of the program. My primary goal will be to increase the exposure of the Yaya Girls Program to corporate sponsors based in Europe, who can help fund the girls for the long-term.
The 5 Pillar Approach:
The Yaya Girls Running Program is built upon a 5-pillar curriculum that offers the girls a diverse set of important life skills. These are:
1. Athletics
2. Empowerment and Life-Skills
3. English Language
4. Vocation Skills Training (Individualized Job training)
5. Health and Nutrition Education
There is also an emphasis on community outreach, so that the girls better learn to act as leaders and give back to their country. It is our hope that learning and integrating these skills will help build strong, inspired women that can support themselves
and help build a strong and more resilient Ethiopia.
Why Women?
As women become more empowered, both socially and economically, they often have a greater say in household and community matters.
In Ethiopia, significant gender gaps have been observed in literacy rates, educational attainment, work status, salary rates, occupation, access to media, age at first marriage, and preference for the number of children desired. The situation of women in
Ethiopia slowly begins to change and therefore it is now more important than ever to further leverage the process and keep investing in the young, motivated and eager of achievement girls.
Why Running?
Running in Ethiopia is more than just a way to stay in shape; it is a part of their culture, a source of national pride and inspiration and, through numerous running clubs across the country, it is already supported by an organized and effective infrastructure.
Furthermore physical act of running focuses on abilities, rather than disabilities, thus allowing runners to build a sense of pride and ownership over their bodies as they become stronger and pass through barriers that once seemed impenetrable.
A healthy competition provides personal challenge, a sense of empowerment, strength and discipline that is needed to face difficult obstacles in the country. And running team creates a safe space, in which runners can build confidence, practice teamwork,
assert their independence, and find friendship and mentors.
For my campaign I set two goals. The tipping point goal is the money needed to at all be able to start and execute the project. The total funding goal is the desired goal, which will allow Yaya Girls to admit the next group of 4 girls for a trimester and
pay for all expenses (more detailed information below).
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT MY WORK WITH THE YAYA GIRLS!
Step 1: Donate! All money donated through the campaign goes directly to the work of the Yaya Girls Program and YOU get a reward!
Step 2: Tell your friends! Let people know about the work the Yaya Girls Program is doing. E-mail, Facebook, and tweet about us! Spread the word.