The Sakaroos
The Global Enrichment Foundation is proud to sponsor the Sakaaros, one of the few high school female basketball teams in Somalia. The team was formed with the support of Abaarso Tech who believe that providing opportunities for females to play sports is one of the best ways to cultivate personal leadership within a team setting. Two decades of war in the Somalia has created some of the most oppressive conditions for women on earth.
When the GEF learned that the girl's team had no proper court, equipment, or even shoes to play in- a commitment was made to support these courageous young athletes, who are dedicated to their sport even in the midst of unimaginable gender oppression and poverty.
The GEF made a call to action and two teachers from Stony Plain, Canada responded. Amanda Small and Haley Larsen dedicated themselves to raising all the funds needed to fully equip the Sakaroos with all the essentials for any new sports team. The local community got behind them and they raised $3500 in just three weeks for the Sakaroos.
In May 2011, a large shipment left Edmonton, Canada bound for the girls at Abaarso Tech in Somalia.
In the shipment were:
- mountable basketball hoops & nets
- basketballs & pumps
- gym bags
- water bottles
- basketball jerseys
- track suits
- running shoes
- toiletry bags
One month later, the bag arrived.
Amanda Small watched via Skype as the Sakaroos opened the shipment.
"Watching the girls open up their individual bags over Skype was incredible. The thought of young girls playing sports in a country that is in upheaval is very empowering. These young women are going to develop excellent leadership skills that they will one day utilize in their everyday lives. Having a young teenager say you have made their dreams come true is a moment I will never forget," says Amanda Small.
The Global Enrichment Foundation supports the development of leadership qualities in women, paving the way for a generation of female leaders to hope, dream and change the future of their country - and to take their rightful role in it.
June 27, 2011
May 13, 2011
May 9, 2011
