Yaya Girls Mission
The Yaya Girls Program works to create a new class of Ethiopian female role models that will promote gender equality throughout Ethiopia. Many Ethiopians face a future of poverty as they struggle to break the cycle of generational poverty that they are trapped
in. The ultimate goal is to help adolescent girls facing serious life challenges to become self-sufficient, confident women who can bring positive changes to both themselves and the communities in which they live. They will leave the program as confident young
leaders that are encouraged to fight for gender equality and will help redefine the social norms that unfairly burden females throughout Ethiopia. It is our hope that every girl that graduates from the Yaya Program will positively affect twenty-five other
women!
About Me
My name is Catriona Graves and I am an international cross country and hill runner. I will be starting at Edinburgh University in September to study medicine. From the middle of March to the end of June I will be living, working and running with the Yaya
Girls. I will be helping as their teacher, coach and friend as well as working to develop and promote the Program.
The 5 Pillar Approach
The Yaya girls program supports four to eight women for a semester of four months. It is based in the village of Sululta, 11km outside of Addis Ababa at 2,700 m (8,858 ft). During their stay they are provided teaching in five key areas that address the problems
faced by many in Ethiopia. These are:
*** Athletic training.
*** Job training coupled with a three-month placement initiative.
*** English teaching
*** Health and nutrition education
*** Leadership and women’s empowerment curriculum with a strong focus on community outreach.
Why Running?
Running is a part of Ethiopia’s culture and their long distance runners are notorious across the world. It is not just a way to stay in shape but it’s seen as a means to overcome poverty. A running lifestyle teaches the girls the value of discipline, teamwork
and the responsibility they have to themselves and others. A running team provides a safe space in which the girls can grow in confidence, experience teamwork and build lasting friendships. Healthy competitions can provide a sense of empowerment
and strength to face difficult obstacles prevalent throughout the country. The Yaya Girls works within this invigorated environment to provide motivated female athletes with the tools that will make them both better runners and stronger individuals.
Why Women?
In Ethiopia, significant gender gaps have been observed in literacy rates, educational attainment, work status, salary rates, occupation, age at first marriage, and preference for the number of children desired. The gap is slowly closing and we believe now
is the perfect time to invest in adolescent girls with programs like the Yaya girls. These programs will expand their life choices so that they can break free of the traditional confines society places upon them. The Yaya girls program will enable the girls
to become self-sufficient and successful be it through sport, education, or having a job.