On International Day of Education, we want to celebrate some of the amazing work our Squash for Development Organisations (SDOs) are doing around the world.
According to the UN, the world is lagging far behind in achieving quality education. A projected 84 million children and young people will be out of school in 2030.
SDOs are committed to improving the education of the underserved young people in their community. They understand education to be the key to a more prosperous future that’s full of opportunity for all.
The success of their model lies in the combination of teaching academics as well as providing squash sessions. The sport element of their programs creates an exciting environment and a safe community where they can develop friendships and confidence in themselves. This ensures they are motivated to return.
The education programs, provided by SDOs, centre around Maths and language learning. For many of the young people who attend, full time schooling isn’t guaranteed so these sessions provide an essential addition to their learning.
Access Youth Academy
For some SDOs, the goal is to secure scholarships to further education.
Access Youth Academy, in San Diego, provides young people with a range of academic support to help them escape the cycle of poverty.
Their participants have a high school graduation rate of 100%, a college acceptance rate of 100% and a total of $10,800,000 has been secured in college scholarships.
Khelshala
Similarly, Khelshala NGO supports impoverished children in India find confidence in their academic studies.
Many of their young players go on to receive scholarships to top schools in India and then to top universities in the United States.
Underpinning their successful education program is the idea that if the children work hard on their academics, they are rewarded with more time on the squash court.
Nicol David Organisation
Elsewhere, the Nicol David Organisation, based in Kuala Lumpur, supports their ‘little legends’ overcome challenging living conditions with their English language classes and squash sessions.
Their program instils confidence in the children and the belief that they can dream big.
A similar model is used for Squash for Development Organisations everywhere. Squash can be used to focus attention and build a strong community where children are able to flourish academically.
Squash Dreamers
Based in Jordan, Squash Dreamers are dedicated to empowering young refugee and underprivileged girls through sports and education to support them in accessing better quality academic opportunities and achieving their dreams.
They use squash as a vessel to work with the girls on their physical and mental health, giving them a skill they can use now, and in the future to play professionally and train others.
Through English, they support their in-school academics and prepare them for future opportunities including scholarships to private schools.
They want to see every girl succeed and they work hard to create a space of mutual empowerment in which they can thrive and grow, then going out into the world as talented, strong, well-equipped women, able to command lasting change in their own communities.
The PSA Foundation is proud to support the extraordinary efforts of SDOs who are improving the future prospects of so many young people around the world through education.
If you want to donate to our SDOs click below:
