Girls Empowerment Program

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The Girls Empowerment Program for unaccompanied minor girls and adult women started in 2018 to create a safe space for outdoor activities with an emphasis on learning critical life skills.

Through team activities, we have empowered girls and women by building self-confidence, developing teamwork and leadership skills, and promoting healthy choices.

SWIMMING LESSONS

Swimming lessons have been held in the summer by a volunteer team of experienced swim instructors.

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All the girls and women we have worked with crossed the sea in inadequate boats on the last leg of a journey that required great bravery. Their first swimming lesson in the sea was often challenging, but students felt supported by their instructors and each other, and they ultimately succeeded.

The patience and compassion of our volunteers helped young women build inner strength and self-confidence as they developed their swimming skills. Our students remain proud of their achievements.

BIKE RIDING LESSONS

Bike lessons have been taught in a safe and secure environment where students were able to experience
the thrill and freedom of riding bicycles.

These sensations are felt even more by some of the participants who are from countries where it is against
the law for girls and women to ride bicycles.

In order to access more students, REAL started collaborating with Yoga & Sport With Refugees (YSR) on the ground in Lesvos in 2021. YSR recognizes the importance of providing team outdoor activities to help empower women. REAL has been successful in providing instructors to help YSR’s swim program.

Currently, REAL no longer has the infrastructure available on Lesvos to run the Girls Empowerment Program ourselves. We now refer swim and bike volunteers to YSR directly. YSR is set up to provide many sport activities to help refugees engage and thrive in a safe place physically and emotionally.

We are thrilled to continue our mission to empower women through outdoor activities.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in volunteering, please contact us.

The REAL Girls Empowerment Program was created by REAL Board member Michele Cobble, our Financial Director.