Squash Dreamers is dedicated to training Syrian refugees and underprivileged Jordanian girls in Amman to become competitive squash players. They also provide English language education with the hopes of enrolling them in schools and University’s with squash programmes.
Check out this inspirational promo video on their programme below:
Dreamers from Bowie Alexander on Vimeo.
The PSA Foundation will be providing Squash Dreamers with donated squash gear courtesy of our Rebound initiative, professional online coaching resources through our partners Squash Skills, access to the professional tour through Squash TV, and also support in networking and promotion of their programme to offer new opportunities for growth and rewarding experiences for their juniors.
With these resources we hope that all those involved will have the equipment they need to engage with our great sport fully. It is the intention of Squash Dreamers to give the girls the opportunities to win scholarships that will help pave the way to sustainable career paths, a healthy and active lifestyle, or even the chance to compete professionally as a squash player.
Of the Syrian refugees in Jordan, 232,500 are school-aged children, but only 145,000 are attending schools. The influx of students has placed a burden on Jordan’s education system, which has resorted to using a double-shift school schedule. While this allows Syrian children to attend school, the schedule constrains them to a few hours per day in an already low funded, low quality government school system. As a result, both Syrian refugee and underprivileged Jordanian youth are receiving a sub-par education in Jordan that grants little to no access to higher education or job opportunities after graduation.
While the percentage of girls and boys that attend school from each background is almost equal, the rates of employment later in life vary tremendously. According to USAID, “Jordan continues to have one of the world’s lowest rates of women’s workforce participation at only 13.2 percent” (2017). Jordan lacks resources for women’s’ empowerment, which has enhanced the gap of constitutional rights, acceptable social norms, and political participation between men and women.
The PSA Foundation is delighted to be supporting a programme like Squash Dreamers, the impact that they strive towards is inspirational and we look forward to being a part of this journey. It is fantastic to see squash improving quality of life in such meaningful ways.
