YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

GRS programs encourage participants to make good decisions around avoiding drugs & alcohol. Through community soccer leagues, GRS incentivizes healthy behaviors while addressing the intersecting epidemics of HIV, alcohol and drug abuse, and unemployment particularly facing young men.

Today, approximately 63% of all secondary school aged children are enrolled in secondary education worldwide, but a closer look reveals drastic gender inequity. In half of Sub-Saharan countries, girls are less likely to complete primary education, eliminating the possibility for them to attend secondary school (UNGEI, 2014). 56% of out-of-school girls in the region will never enter a classroom compared to 41% of out-of-school boys (UNESCO, 2015). Yet multiple studies show that an educated girl has a decreased risk of contracting HIV, is more able to control the number of children she has, is more likely to have healthier children, and has higher earning power. GRS works with schools and communities to encourage a culture of health and safety for adolescent girls by creating a safe space for girls to learn, play, and build their support team.

GRS programs are active and movement-based. Research demonstrates that physical activity in childhood and adolescence improves strength and endurance, helps build healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight, reduces anxiety and stress, and increases self-esteem.

In the communities where GRS works, the burden of disease, substance use, and exposure to violence increases adolescent’s vulnerability to depression and other mental health struggles. GRS programs create a safe space to discuss personal challenges, and Caring Coaches provide a support system to participants. Additionally, GRS partners with social service agencies for referrals to mental health services.

Youth in the communities where we work face high rates of unemployment. GRS takes a pro-active approach to coach development, providing job skills training, leadership training, and advanced learning opportunities to the young role models who implement our programs. The vast majority of GRS Coaches go on to full-time employment or further schooling.

Many young people feel marginalized from traditional financial systems, and lack knowledge on how to manage money. Several GRS programs have integrated financial skills, including a partnership with entrepreneurship initiative Ragball International focused on economic development, financial literacy, and income generation.