tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39459077394517009512024-03-27T16:53:04.664-07:00GOALS FOR GIRLS BLOGUsing soccer to teach young women leadership and inspire community change.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07768233260006414059noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-22118042897718900912020-02-09T18:07:00.000-08:002020-02-09T18:07:02.763-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Kannika<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We have been recycling plastic bottles for almost two years now and have recycled more than 89000 plastic bottles now in The Recycle for Football Project. Our whole team recycles at local recycling centres after our weekend sessions. One recycle centre near our ground has been supporting us for a long time now. Next to the recycle centre is a garlic shop. </div>
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Shining Stars Football Club (SSFC) had a meeting with Goals for Girls to plan activities during the the US delegation’s time in Bangalore. During this time we discussed the idea of bringing more respect to recycle centres. Many times recycle centres are not seen as important spaces because they are hidden or not so clean. We decided we will do a mural art project to bring more positive attention to the recycle centre and garlic shop. Garlic peeling is a big livelihood in my community Doddananagar.</div>
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In November, all Shining Stars FC team members were welcomed to share their recycle centre renovation ideas in a worksheet. The worksheet included points like: Share a fun name for the recycle centre, a logo, any graphics that would be important to have, colour choices and also what part of the design process each team wants to join (base coat, pencil sketching, painting). From the first survey, we reviewed popular and common ideas from the whole team and then our senior team designed next round of recycle centre design. Our whole team was surprised to see the creativity from our junior team. One junior drew a design of open doors on the shutter doors when closed.</div>
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By December, our team had a participatory design ready and finalised for the mural art. Shining Stars Football Club Team along with the Goals for Girls members painted the mural on Saturday, 28th December 2019. We had a small party at the recycle centre from 1pm to 8pm that day with music, dancing, sketching, painting, juice and snacks. Our parents joined and other community members were very curious about what was happening. From popular votes, we named the recycle centre was “Recycle Adda (Recycle Fun / Hangout)” and the centre owners were very happy. The final design was a combination of popular graphics to make a landscape of football goalpost with net in the middle of mountains and SSFC football with birds centred between recycle centre and garlic shop. One post was a coconut tree. We used shades of navy blue, teal and yellow for the final mural. The whole experience was really fun and members of both SSFC and G4G enjoyed it. Many people came to know about the recycling centre, our football club and our plastic bottle recycling through the project.</div>
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This was a different experience for me and I enjoyed every moment of it. For me, it really meant a lot as we, as a team were able to give back something to the recycle centre. The Shop has been a part of our club, ever since our Recycle for Football Project started and after the painting and renovation, the shop looks brighter and more beautiful than ever. The centre keepers are also feeling proud. This Project brought many of us together like G4G team and community members we did not meet before. More people will take notice of the shop and hopefully they will think more about and recycle plastic bottles. We can get a cleaner environment through that way.</div>
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<i><i>Kannika Priya S. is part of the Shining Stars FC founding group of children. She is a budding leader in her community earning lots of respect from those younger, peers and elders alike. She was selected in the India delegation of 25 young female leaders as part of Project ENVEST 2018, a partnership between Goals for Girls, Virginia Commonwealth University and US Department of State Sports Division. She is also an aspiring football coach, having coached the boys team in her school for a 11 A-side football tournament in her taluk, while studying in 9th standard.</i></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-90939661302904763562020-02-09T11:21:00.000-08:002020-02-09T11:21:03.167-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Lidiya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
During the first two days of our cultural exchange program with Shining Stars FC, the G4G team visited our two communities Doddananagar and Bandepalya to learn about South Indian culture with us.<br />
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On our third day all together with G4G team and Shining Stars FC senior team, we visited the Bangalore Football Stadium which is the historic football stadium of Karnataka. In our community, we play on a public mud ground. We have some space but it is not an even surface with lots of waste and people time passing. I play my heart out any opportunity and definitely when we get to play in the Bangalore Football Stadium. It is truly a gift to play on that ground that is 11-aside and turf. I feel like an uncaged bird.</div>
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We made teams that were a mix of Shining Stars FC boys and girls and G4G to play 11-aside match. We got to know each other better through this match time. Question of age came up a lot. We were surprised to learn that the girls from USA were younger than we thought. They looked much older because of their size and muscle compared to us. I was amazed to see Phoebe as a goalkeeper. She was like a protective mother, not letting any ball go inside the net. Tia played in a calm and easy way, not getting nervous. Sage was bold and kept our team spirit really high.<br />
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After we played our match, Satya Sir from Karnataka State Football Association shared about women’s football development in Bangalore, our state and India. Satya Sir, related to the famous Tamil movie called Bigil with South Indian actor Vijay that was released in 2019. In the movie, one of the women footballers makes it on the state team. However, her parents say no, her husband says no and even her grandmother says no because she will be playing in a public space with shorts on. The woman footballer was extremely sad. After few days, the same grandmother who said no gives her granddaughter a new pair of boots and gives the girl her blessings [as an elder]. Bigil is many of my teammates favourite movie now, especially the song Singapenney (Lion girls) from the movie soundtrack. Satya Sir mentioned that the challenges faced by the girls in the film is similar to our girls.<br />
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These types of sharings made me think about any girl’s journey in football from USA to India. We talked about how women footballers are not paid equally to men footballers in USA. This is a topic that India is not even talking about. I had faced several challenges when taking up football as one of the first girl footballers in my community. My family members did not want me to play football but rather instead focus on activities for ‘girls’ like music and singing. My grandma and aunt scolded me repeatedly for wearing shorts because community people are seeing me “differently”. Elders, like grandparents, words always have most importance in our culture and our generation is so different from our elders now. Male youth see my body when wearing shorts and not me as a footballer. After I started getting called to selections camps and other achievements related to football, my family started supporting in the house. One big support is trusting me to travel in public bus and dropping/picking me from bus stand sometimes when I reach my area late. My parents share my football achievements and stories with community members.<br />
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The G4G girls were surprised to see boys and girls playing on equal terms and playing full contact during our 11-aside match at the stadium. They said this is not common to see in USA either. This is a big part of our club. As my girl teammates and I grow older and keep achieving, challenges are always there. Slowly there is little more respect of girls choosing to play football because our families and community members are seeing positive life changes that happen because of football. In this way the Bigil scene of the girl footballer’s grandmother gifting football boots was really strong and a nice example Satya Sir shared to describe the challenge of girls in sports in India.<br />
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We walked to Bengaluru FC (BFC) office in the Bangalore Football Stadium. BFC is one of the biggest football clubs in the country. Kunaal Sir has been in the BFC team from when the club first started. He introduced the Club to everyone. The G4G team saw the office of an India professional club. We heard small stories behind all of BFC’s trophies. Many times we looked at the size of the trophy and stared. Kunaal sir pointed to a trophy that was smallest and said that trophy has the biggest story. Sir talked about the various challenges faced by the team just as much as the successes while we were all in the player locker room. He was open with us and helped us understand that any level of football in India has struggles. Discipline was a topic was discussed. We also heard about Sunil Chhetri’s discipline as captain of India and captain of BFC. We learned about some rules that are there for players to maintain discipline.<br />
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Our experience at Bangalore Football Stadium was new and different for everyone that day whether we were from here in Bangalore or from USA.<br />
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<i>Lidiya Dayalan is part of the Shining Stars FC founding group of children. She is a strong role model and coach in her community for young girls to take up the sport of football despite many societal challenges. She has represented Karnataka in College Nationals while studying at St. Joseph’s Composite PU on Sports Scholarship, also receiving Best Footballer Award at her graduation ceremony. She was a lead presenter in the Azim Premji Social Enterprise Challenge 2018, winning the “Young Leaders Award” after being shortlisted in top 15 out of 200+ initiatives.</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-69289633324078789832020-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:002020-02-05T07:51:11.637-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Rafiya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had the opportunity to travel to USA for Project ENVEST Leadership Program and meeting many Goal for Girls team members in July 2018. I was excited that we are getting the opportunity to host nine team members from Goals for Girls from USA and [almost] half of them were visiting India for the first time.<br />
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The Goals for Girls team visited our community Bandepalya on a Sunday. Sunday is usually a more relaxed day in my community when more parents and children are in their homes together. While walking through our area, my buddies really enjoyed seeing how colourful buildings are. Tia, Liv, and Laura visited my home. Sundays are special for my family and I. This is the day that my family makes a special meal in the week and we try to eat all together. This is the day that we have our free time and sometimes my father is also home because he has to travel for work. My mother was excited to have guests on this day! In our first hour of all meeting, we were already eating!<br />
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Food really brings people together. And new food experiences creates a lot of conversation! We sat together to eat vegetable biryani, raitha, salad and jamun. I taught Liv and Tia to eat with their hands and shared the types of vegetables (Beans, carrots, beatroot, peas) that were prepared. Eating on the floor in common in my home and my family enjoyed that the G4G adjusted so easily. We had a fun competition to see who can eat the most. Tia, Liv, Laura and I ate two plates of food! They ate freely. Tia is a lefty. Usually in Indian culture, we are told to always eat and write with our right hand. Tia also tried her right hand. My family moved to a new home in the past months and my mother felt happy to have visitors. We see this like a blessing.<br />
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My family is Muslim. Laura, Tia and Liv learned the greeting ”Assalamu Alaykkum (Peace be upon you)”. Tia, Liv and Laura learned how to wear a hijab in my home (headdress worn by Muslim women). They had many questions about hijabs. From a small age my mother lets me choose when I want to wear hijab and sometimes for events she requests me to wear Hijab. I showed them the area in my home where we do prayer (Namaaz). Women are not allowed in Masjids and certain prayers are done in home only. In US culture, saying thank you is very common. The Goals for Girls team thanked my family for the meal and for inviting them into our home. My mother also thanked them for visiting our home. While walking to our ground from my house, we saw one of my uncles and they said “Assalamu Alaykkum”. He then greeted back with a big smile. This for me is a memorable example of a cultural exchange. <br />
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<i>Rafiya Fathima is part of the Shining Stars FC founding group of children and the first Muslim girl footballer in her community. She has represented Karnataka State in Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals 2019, while also being recognised as MVP, Promising Young Talent in various tournaments at Bangalore Football Stadium, Bangalore East and turf grounds across Bangalore. She is currently studying in 1st PUC on a Sports Scholarship and determined to join in India camp one day.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-44830295307370690652020-01-30T08:27:00.001-08:002020-01-30T08:30:56.820-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Pooja<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am Pooja Sree. I got selected for the Goals for Girls Leadership Summit with my Shining Stars FC friends and teammates in my home city of Bangalore!</div>
<br />The Summit was four days and girl footballers from different parts of India came to Bangalore to participate. Some girls traveled very far. Each day of the Summit was a different topic just like our football sessions. The first day, the topic was Awareness. In one session we thought about what each of us are inside [ourselves], not what other people think about us. I made a list of words that describe me in my notepad. Each team member in my coloured team shouted their feelings out loud and facing the ground. I am Pooja Sree. I shouted “I am a Rockstar”. <br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGE2lyHAEwI/XjMEmLMTK5I/AAAAAAAAQvU/UpvIV3aTvGUtiMQe8CdWhAXhNVVdXGtiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGE2lyHAEwI/XjMEmLMTK5I/AAAAAAAAQvU/UpvIV3aTvGUtiMQe8CdWhAXhNVVdXGtiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/DSC_6042.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Communication was the topic on day 2. Benny Sir taught us about non-violent communication. Benny Sir helped me understand the importance of good communication. We learned how to communicate through symbols, eye contact and using action. Benny Sir was really fun.<br /><br />Some more favourite parts of the Summit were Laura and Tia Akka’s dancing and making new friends. The main topic of the Summit was “We are the Change”. One important learning for me is taking time to understand how others feel and this is empathy. I learned this word and also I used empathy when meeting so many new people at the Goals for Girls Leadership Summit. <br /><br /><i>Pooja Sree S. has been part of Shining Stars Football Club for two years. She has a unique hunger to learn and listen. She represents the second generation of footballers in her community, Doddananagar.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-9275632355208608972020-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:002020-01-21T11:56:02.991-08:00Goals for Girls India Staff Perspective: Laura<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Home visits are my favorite part of the cultural exchange portion of Goals for Girls International Programs. It was special for me this particular time because I was able to visit Rafiya's home from Shining Stars FC. <div>
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Rafiya was one of the girls who traveled from India to Utah in 2018 as part of the E.N.V.E.S.T. (Empowering New Voices through Education & Sports Training). She participated in a cultural exchange, stayed in the home of a Goals for Girls alumna's family, ate with them, cooked with them, and then participated in a Goals for Girls Leadership Summit in Salt lake. <div>
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All the memories of the Indian delegation in America came flooding back. From the first time the girls jumped on a trampoline, to seeing mountains, to <i>camping</i> in the mountains, and all the magic that happened in between. </div>
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Rafiya and her family are amazing and beautiful. During the home visit, we learned how to put on a Hijab, ate some <i>AMAZING</i> food, had a competition on who could eat with our hands the best, and mostly laughed a lot. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity we had to have the program in Bangalore so I could spend more time with the amazing team at Shining Stars FC. Their kids are diligent, and innovative, and awesome. I loved my time spent there. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-30200108259573126292020-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:002020-01-16T09:31:52.350-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Liv<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On the second day of the Summit, we talked about communication. Communicating is so important whether it’s verbal or nonverbal. Being in a group where most of the girls didn’t speak English, communicating was a hard thing. But these girls put in so much effort.<br />
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Although we didn’t always understand each other, we could match everyone’s energy and still work together our best. </div>
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I also loved on the last day when we talked about goal setting. These girls dream so big and I loved hearing each of their passions and wants. It may be hard but they work so hard and will never stop dreaming. These days were some of the best experiences of my life and I will never forget them. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-76261573767239193492020-01-14T08:59:00.000-08:002020-01-14T08:59:55.252-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Phoebe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Happy New Year! One of my favorite things about India is the amount of inspiration I gain to grow and better my self as a person. I feel like as a child, I always looked up to my parents or other adults and marveled at their maturity and intellect. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While those things naturally come with age and experience, I've realized that there is never one second of our lives where we are perfect or have everything together. Luckily, I feel this simply means that the universe gives us an infinite number of opportunities and interactions to obtain knowledge and apply it to our own lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This became beautifully clear when interacting with one of the senior staff members at Shining Stars FC. Pinky Ma'am is a vibrant trailblazer for women in India. She is passionate in her pursuit of knowledge so much so it was infectious. As a fan of mythology and religious theory, she was able to share many stories and personal beliefs with me. Every time I allowed myself to sit and listen, it felt like I was putting on a new pair of glasses in which I was able to challenge or further any previous views I had about the world and myself. It truly felt empowering. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Going into the next phase of my life is a bit scary, but I know that by seeking out more opportunities of enrichment, I can carry that feeling of empowerment with me wherever I go. I am so grateful for Goals for Girls and how it connects young women around the world, allowing inspiration to flow. As women in the modern world, these interactions are priceless.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-26895482151653588792020-01-09T17:03:00.000-08:002020-01-09T17:03:54.948-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Gillian<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It can sometimes be hard to connect with people who don’t speak the same language or have a different lifestyle or culture. They speak differently, act differently, and have different traditions. Despite all of that I was able to communicate and form so many amazing connections with these girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We started out the summit talking about different rules and the divide was clear between the Indian girls and the U.S. girls. We then moved to a passing drill and immediately everyone was doing the same thing and understood we were speaking the same language: the language of soccer. There were no struggles trying to understand each other. It was really cool to see soccer used like that and changed my perspective on the game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were also able to communicate through dance. Songs would come on and we would all start to sing them at the top of our lungs and try new dance moves or jump up and down. I was able to see so much from them dancing, like their personalities, their confidence, we all could feel the same feeling of freedom and formed strong connections.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both of these experiences taught me that we may all talk different, look different, or live somewhere different, but we are all human beings who can connect and understand each other.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-7488688666759685812020-01-06T15:34:00.001-08:002020-01-06T15:34:36.519-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Sage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is my second trip to India with Goals for Girls and it’s been just as special and eye-opening as the first. I am always blown away by how generous and kind the people here are. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It’s only the 3rd day and I’ve had several experiences that will be with me for the rest of my life. Like when we went on home visits the first day. The girls hadn’t had breakfast that morning and they told me that they don’t normally eat much, but they put out a whole buffet for me. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It is just a testament to the people here and how that no matter what their circumstances are they go above and beyond for others and they make you feel like family. Today we had to say goodbye to a couple of the girls because they aren’t gonna be at the summit and they were really sad and they start crying. We’ve only known these girls for 3 days yet we have become so close and made such a special bond that it’s like having to say goodbye to family. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Even with the other girls from the US in the group. Before this trip, I was nervous because I’m a little bit older than everyone else cause I’m 20 and I didn’t know if I was gonna be accepted by them, but I can honestly say I love these girls and I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m so grateful for this place and this experience and I don’t want it to end!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-19341521014658143422019-12-30T10:16:00.001-08:002019-12-30T10:16:23.357-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Sara<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day two of our India trip! Today was absolutely amazing. We visited some beautiful gardens, a Hindu temple, a Christian church, and our pen pals home.<br />
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I absolutely loved site-seeing today and learning about the different religions and traditions. I like to see how greatly religion affects the lifestyle. My home visit was so much fun. I had some amazing food and met so many people. these home visits are just something I can't put into words. Overall, my favorite part of the day was on the field.<br />
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Having a language barrier definitely makes communication very difficult but on the field, playing soccer, we were able to connect in a whole new way and because of those connections, the field was the best part of today. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-16214584084566767372019-12-28T16:59:00.000-08:002019-12-28T16:59:13.396-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Tia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today we took a trip to Surekha’s home. The bright colorful houses and smiling people standing outside to see the newcomers welcomed us as we walked on by. Our group slowly dwindled as the other girls went to their penpal’s houses. Surekha’s home was on the first floor, her family is located above and beside her. Laura and I met her mother, father, mother’s sister, father’s sister, cousin’s and her grandmother.</div>
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We took a tour of her home that housed her mother, father, and brother, as well as her extended family, each one of them were there to welcome us and show us their homes. The sense of family and the closeness of Surekha’s family reminded me of mine and warmed my heart. The lunch we were served was Dosa, like a pancake, and fried chicken coated with chili = goodness heavenly food. Surekha’s family accepted us and treated us as one of their own.</div>
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As we walked back to the pitch, we weaved in and out of streets and waved to the contagious smiles little children in school uniforms. Everyone we passed smiled or simply said “namaste” while putting their hands palm to palm. </div>
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The friendliness and gracious attitude of the girls of Shining Stars FC will always be in my mind as well as the dance party we had before painting the recycling center. The energy and the aura of the girls and their families throughout the day radiated and poured over me like a waterfall, making my energy levels go up as well. </div>
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I would never trade this day for anything. These memories of Surekha, her family, and the community around Shining Girls FC will forever be embedded in my heart. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-67908173013416407202019-02-09T16:23:00.000-08:002019-02-09T16:23:50.934-08:00Goals for Girls India Participant Perspective: Sindhu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I still think about the things I learned during the Leadership Summit! In school, my Headmaster and teacher gave me hug after I came back from the Summit. All of my classmates asked me, “What did you learn?” I have taught them different activities I learned from the Summit. I enjoyed that each day of Summit had different themes like Communication and Teamwork. We learned different lessons from the themes. I am proud to be part of Goals for Girls. We had great days together!<div>
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Our Shining Stars FC mentor, Rahila from the senior team, is from another community. She took care of us like her own sister. My teammate Monica and I had difficulty with the spoken Hindi because our mother tongue is Tamil and we are learning more English in Shining Stars Football Club. Rahila Akkā [Akkā means "sister" in Tamil] is a good translator and supported us a lot in Hindi translations! I met Arati and Rani at the Summit and we taught each other Hindi and Tamil. </div>
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The food we ate at the Summit was different because we were far from home. My mother never cooked those foods at home before. I enjoyed new foods like Chapati, Sabudana Khichdi and Daal. At night, Rahila Akkā, Shoma and Pooja and I danced and were singing a lot. I made friends from different states. I also did video call for the first time with my mother and family members when I was in Nagpur.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The train journey is another big memory. This was my first time traveling in train. The train station is 2 kilometers from my home. We played games in the train. On our return journey, one Akkā did not have a seat to sit. We shared our seat with her and she shared her food with us. Our team won “Most Impactful” We Are the Change award for The Recycle for Football Project and we have taken the trophy around to all out team members after returning home!</div>
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[Sindhu is 13 years old and is part of Shining Stars Football Club in Bangalore, India.]</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-81746247745170100432019-02-02T17:40:00.003-08:002019-02-02T17:58:18.571-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: McKayla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After returning from India a couple weeks ago, I still find it hard to put my thoughts and emotions into words. As I try to think back on everything and decide what I want to write about, I struggle to hold back the tears, and I don’t know why. My first time going to India was an incredible experience that I am so thankful for. It showed me a whole new world that has become so significant in my world today. I am mostly thankful for that trip because it brought me to this trip. Two years later, words cannot describe what it felt like to step out of the Uber onto the grounds of Slum Soccer. <br />
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Nothing could have prepared me for what my heart felt when I saw the Slum Soccer girls again. I was shaking, and just couldn’t believe I was actually seeing these girls again when I thought that two years ago we were saying our final goodbyes. Raksha, my beautiful pen pal, had the brightest smile on her face that was beaming and I couldn’t help but flash a big smile back. She embraced me in the tightest hug and it just brought back all the precious memories we shared last time. I was seeing my best friend again, there was no awkwardness, no nerves, it was like we just left off on what we were talking about the last time we saw each other. I was officially at my home away from home.<br />
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Being an intern was a scary title for me. I was going to be a leader and I never saw myself as good one. But lucky for me, I had the best team to back me up. Jackie and Laura- these two were constantly there when I needed help and new exactly what to do while still making sure I was leading, constantly reassuring me I was doing everything right. The Interns- this group of girls had my back the whole entire time, whether it was during my session or just during the days when I was clearly struggling. The Slum Soccer girls- they gave me the confidence that I didn’t have, by always hyping me up and making sure I knew I was doing great. The Slum Soccer staff- translating was sometimes hard and it was nice knowing that they would always be there to translate when I needed a little help with the girls, and they also played some rockin' jams to get the girls energetic. This support team showed me what a true team is. Not one moment went by when I thought I was alone, because I knew they were all standing there with me.<br />
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It’s funny because I am not the most confident person and when I tell these girls that they go absolutely insane, not believing me. Before the Summit started and we talked about our strengths and weaknesses, my weakness was my confidence, unlike Raksha's when her strength was her confidence. It was the perfect balance. The confidence that she showed slightly rubbed off on me because eventually I just started not caring about what they thought and I was just being my confident self. Never in a million of years did I think I would be acting like a monkey in front of so many people but there I was, in the center of the circle making a fool out of myself. But I was okay with it. <br />
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A beautiful experience I had was when we were working on the girls change projects. I was beyond lucky that I got to work with the Slum Soccer Koradi girls. There was a topic pointed out that connected to more girls than we thought it would have, and due to that one idea, the girls developed their chance project called, “The Super Moms Club.” This club would provide twelve single moms throughout Koradi with a group of the slum soccer girls, to love the single moms and give them the support they need to make the best life they can for their children and themselves. It was mind blowing to me the fact that I got to work with these girls on this project when I myself have a single mother who I see as a super mom. <br />
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Saying goodbye this time around wasn’t the same. I felt like I didn’t haven’t to say “goodbye", it was a more of a “until next time.” I know I will see these girls again, it doesn’t matter how long it is until then because I know that was not my last time seeing them. This trip brought love, support, memories, friendships, personal growth, pretty much everything. I’m thankful for all the life lasting friendships I created and I cannot wait to watch them grow.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-44634892101941723372019-01-31T18:14:00.000-08:002019-01-31T18:14:40.365-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Jill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Before we left for this trip, Laura and Jackie told us not to compare it to any of the other experiences we made from our past trips and to be honest that scared me a little. We had made so many unforgettable memories that would stick with us for life times and not comparing this trip to those memories I thought was going to be very hard. But I was mistaken. Everyday held something so different and so special that nothing could compare. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I had already been involved in two Goals for Girls programs, one in India and one in the United States, there were still anticipatory nerves that came with coming back. I remember walking out of the Uber our first day and seeing my pen pal for this trip- Isha. She immediately greeted me with the biggest hug and the warmest smile and the nerves immediately left my body. I was immediately reminded, once again, of the love and compassion these girls radiate. </div>
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Out of the many examples they showed of love and compassion, one of my favorites was when our pen pals would take us by the hands anytime we would go out on the town and they would lead us to wherever they were going. They always wanted the American girls to walk on the opposite side of traffic in order to protect us. </div>
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There was one instance where my pen pal was extremely protective and that was when we arrived at the Ramtek Temple. As soon as I stepped out of the bus Isha said to me, “Jill! Jill! Follow me!” She took me by the hand and anytime a monkey would get close to me she would shield me to make sure I wasn’t going to be hurt. I always felt safe around the Slum Soccer staff and girls which made it so much easier to fully experience what was going on around me. </div>
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There was no question that this time around was more work. As interns, I felt as if we were given a lot more responsibility, especially during the Leadership Summit. The responsibility aspect was scary and overwhelming at first, but as the days went on, responsibilities did not seem like responsibilities anymore, it turned into tasks that I really enjoyed. Even though we were assigned individual tasks that each one of us had to do, everyone on the Goals for Girls team helped out. It was so relieving knowing that if I messed up in one of my sessions or if I was struggling with one of my energizers that I would always have the team behind me to support and help me. </div>
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This trip was definitely more work than the 2016 trip, but the work made it that much more fulfilling. Especially when we worked with the girls and their organizations on their "We are the Change" projects. The organization I worked with for the change project was Dreaming in a Slum. The project they wanted to focus on was providing a safe space for the girls to practice football on. They were so passionate about the project. I looked forward to listening to what they had to say and working with them everyday. </div>
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All of the girls I met on this trip inspired me. They inspired me to make my community a better place, to love everyone around me, and to never back down from a challenge. I will forever be changed from this years program and I plan on living what I was taught in India everyday.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-81328599242725578302019-01-28T17:26:00.000-08:002019-01-28T17:26:44.222-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am to have been a part of this program. While in Nagpur, I was able to connect with so many girls of different ages, who each had a unique story. During the Summit, I began to forget about life at home and did everything I could to live in the moment. When I did this, I realized that I had never felt happier. I cherished every minute that i spent with each girl, whether they were an intern, a mentor, or a participant. One of my favorite parts of the Summit was when everyone started dancing together and it felt like time had stopped. During these moments, I was able to let go of everything negative in my life and be fully present.<br />
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Another aspect that I enjoyed about the Summit was being able to work along side our Slum Soccer pen pals. I especially enjoyed this because I was able to collaborate effectively with my pen pal despite the slight language barrier. Throughout the Summit, we were both able to get out of our comfort zones while we showed each other endless support. </div>
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No matter how many times I witnessed it, I was shocked by how much love each girl was willing to share. They have the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever met. They were willing to do anything just to spread positivity and light. Even the simple things like saying "good morning" and giving a warm hug at the start of the day made me realize just how loving each girl is. Despite only knowing most of them for only four days, it felt as if I had known them my whole life. </div>
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During the trip, I was able to become close with the Goals for Girls interns. If I was having trouble during my sessions, the other interns were always willing to help and offer suggestions. I will always look up to both the American and Indian girls. They have taught me so many things, not just about life, but about myself. Being around such amazing girls has made me the best version of myself. Each girl has changed my life in such a positive way and I will be forever grateful. </div>
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I will never forget my experiences during this program and the last. I have made countless friendships and met so many amazing people. I hope to return to India in order to change lives in the positive way that mine has been changed. I cannot thank everyone who was a part of this program enough. You're all amazing! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-8106804059182658062019-01-26T07:54:00.000-08:002019-01-26T08:01:33.050-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Sophia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The experiences I had in India are something that will live on in my heart and soul forever. This was my second time to India and when I was going, I wondered, “how is it going to be possible to experience as much beauty and love as I did the first time?” However, I was wrong, and the love was there once again. It was so strong and real. The connection I formed with my pen pal, Bhumika, was magical and I feel so much love for her. She is my sister and she is a goddess in my eyes. This connection and the others I made throughout the trip are what life is all about for me. India has taught me this, and once again has shown me that I have the power to connect with people no matter where they’re from, what language they speak, what they’ve been through and no matter how different our lives may be. India has taught me once again that we all speak the same language- love. <br />
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It was amazing to experience love connections with so many girls from India. It is amazing because I used to think that making connections with people was difficult, but in reality it isn’t; it’s just about sharing your heart and letting love flow, to you and from you. This is why many of the girls are my biggest inspirations because they let their light and heart shine and freely share it with us. Seeing their hearts shine into the world is a gift to me. This is why they inspire me, because despite the harshness that the world may have shown them, their hearts shine on and they shine bright. Its beautiful to feel and share in a group of girls our love and light, and through dancing, music and soccer we speak the language of love together. Although a lot of this is similar to what I experienced on my first trip, this time it was different and with new girls. <br />
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This lesson of love that I was reminded of is the same one I learned previously and I am so thankful to be reminded of and experience this again. It's not that I had necessarily forgotten this lesson that I had learned on the first trip. It's just that in my regular life I am not experiencing these love connections day to day and so profoundly like we do in India. However, this is is one of my goals for my life. To share my heart with others I meet and make connections with anyone and everyone without fear, just love and an open heart.<br />
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At first I was nervous knowing I had a big role in the Leadership Summit this time, leading and coaching sessions, but I felt extremely supported by all of the Goals for Girls team members and the Slum Soccer girls. At the Summit, I learned that I really enjoy coaching. That experience was really awesome for me because I had so much fun teaching and doing it alongside Bhumika. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. We worked so well together, leading the sessions and she did an amazing job with our color team.<br />
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All of the girls in our color group really looked up to Bhumika, and once again, she was one of my biggest inspirations during the Summit and my time in India. Having this role in the Summit was such a blessing because it showed me that I can be a leader, that I am a leader, and I am actually really great at it. I am so thankful for this experience and for all of the marvelous lessons I learned being an intern on this trip. Thank you Goals for Girls and Slum Soccer, your work is truly incredible, inspiring and life-changing. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-74418605902672721872019-01-24T08:48:00.001-08:002019-01-24T09:14:19.913-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Madi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so grateful that I got to travel back to my favorite place on earth, India. I got to meet so many beautiful people that have forever impacted my life. Even though I only knew most of the girls for 4 days, I connected with them so easily and fell in love with the beautiful simplicity of their lives. I have so much faith that every single one of those girls is going to change the world.<br />
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I am extremely grateful that I got to meet my pen pal, Mrunali. She has the most beautiful soul and her smile always lit up the room. I am so lucky that I can call her my sister and best friend. Mrunali helped translate and lead sessions along with helping out whenever it was needed. She welcomed me into her home and taught me so much about being a strong, confident woman. I will forever remember my sweet Mrunali and how much she impacted my life.<br />
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One of the things I loved most about this trip was the Summit and being a leader of the yellow team! Being able to connect with each of the girls and hear about all of their goals made my heart so full. When they shared their goals of becoming a sports physiologist, computer engineer, police officer, actor, etc., I truly believed that they would accomplish them. </div>
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I know that every single girl can achieve anything they put their mind to. They are the most confident, resilient, strong girls I’ve ever met and I am so proud of each and every one of them. I’m so lucky that I get to call all of them my sisters. The love I have for those girls is unconditional and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for them. </div>
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Finally, I want to thank Goals for Girls, Jackie and Laura for giving me the opportunity to travel back to the place that makes me the happiest. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and will forever cherish all of the memories and relationships I made.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-70876916303299291142019-01-21T17:28:00.000-08:002019-01-21T17:31:19.248-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Sam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This last trip to India was once again one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in my life. I always manage to surprise myself when I go on these trips in the aspects of who I am as a person. I have attended a Goals for Girls Leadership Summit in the past and I have to say, I am not the same girl I was the first time and it's because of the amazing women I got to know and work with.<br />
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The amazing women that I got to work with on this trip helped me grow in many ways but, they also became my second family. We all worked together to make it the best experience for the Indian girls. I loved seeing all the ideas we came up with as a group and how everyone had something to contribute to the group.<br />
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The energy we brought every day was so fun to be a part of because it brought all the girls at the Summit together. Everyone was also so supportive of each other. Everyone was willing to help each other, especially in the sessions since it was our first year as interns. I had a hard time with my first session and would get a little nervous but my friends were there to help me through it and always told me what a great job I was doing which made me feel so good. <br />
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I also learned a lot from our pen pals as well. These girls are so kind and beautiful and would do anything for you. They all had their own unique personalities which made every one of them so special. In the past Summit, the Slum Soccer girls were a part of the color teams and participated in the activities with all the other girls. This year they got to work as interns with us. It was so beautiful to see the girls help lead session and share their stories with the other girls.<br />
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One session that stood out to me was the session with Raksha and Mckayla. Their session was called “Find the Rock” which was about personal struggles we carry in our lives. I listened as Raksha shared her story and I was just thinking about how much she has grown since I’ve met her. I was so proud to see her being a leader to the girls around her and the confidence she had as she shared her story.<br />
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These girls also showed me how to be selfless. Everywhere we went, the girls would do anything for us even if we didn’t ask. When I went with my pen pal, Priyanka, to her house she helped me the whole way there. I felt so much love when I stepped into her home. I was brought my own food and she would get me whatever I needed. Their selfless acts made me focus on helping others on the rest of my trip and in my everyday life.<br />
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I would not have changed a thing on this trip and I wish I could be back in India right now having a dance party with the most wonderful girls in the world who have taught me so much. The love the I have for each and every woman in my group and for the pen pals and this organization is unconditional and I loved being a part of this amazing trip this year.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-87206318832035546142019-01-20T16:49:00.000-08:002019-01-21T17:07:19.442-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Phoebe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My time in India has been such a blessing. With starting and ending the best year of my life in a place that I love, with people I look up to, self-reflection has played a huge role in my journey this year. On the long series of flights to Nagpur, I began to ask myself “Who am I?” and “Who do I want to be?”.<br />
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While these may be simple questions to some, the answers weren’t flowing as easily as I thought they would. Luckily I was embarking on a journey that I knew would manifest to me, the answers I longed for. One significant realization came to me on culture night, an evening in celebration of our beautifully different cultures through shows of dance and song. I had volunteered myself to MC the night, and I’m not going to lie, it was hard. </div>
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While wrapping up, a girl asked if she could sing us all one last song. The tired introvert in me was so eager to get on the bus and leave for the hotel, after the long day we’d had. But the minute she started singing, I had forgotten all about the way I’d felt just seconds before. </div>
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Sapna, my amazing penpal, laid her head on my shoulder and sang along, “I love my India”. In that moment, despite my efforts not to, I started to cry. I cried for the girls who showed me that life and happiness can continue after the most unimaginable challenges, I cried for Sapna who is breaking free from the bounds of India’s gender norms and following her dreams to become an engineer, I cried for Jackie who showed me that life is an adventure worth embracing, and for Bri who’s laugh brightens up the world. I cried for Saba who bravely opened up about her similar struggles with self image, teaching me to be confident with who I am. I cried for my parents who sacrificed so much so I could go to India, twice. I cried for all the girls who showed me that love is a universal language, and that everybody wants to love and be loved. And among a thousand more reasons, I cried for myself. I cried because these girls, these indescribable goddesses, have made me who I am and shown me who I should strive to be. I sure do love my India.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-63925763224940039142019-01-19T13:16:00.002-08:002019-01-19T13:16:53.575-08:00Dreaming in a Slum Foundation Coach Perspective: Prajakta<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was a great pleasure to attend this Goals for Girls Leadership Summit as I've personally learned many things. I used to be shy and scared of speaking in public, but I was a fearless girl at the Summit. I've seen a drastic change in me as a leader at the Summit in leading and speaking, etc.</div>
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My favorite thing was to come as groups from all over India and including U.S. girls. I felt like a celebrity of being a role model to many girls. I feel learning is all about give and take. I learned so many new things from the U.S. girls- especially their energy level. </div>
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I feel language is not a barrier and you can share everything by just being with the person. I know I can be the change I wish to see in the world because I am the change. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-48026647962983956032019-01-18T08:37:00.000-08:002019-01-18T11:57:10.227-08:00OSCAR Foundation India Coach Perspective: Nagma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
At the Goals for girls Leadership Summit, the session I liked most was "I am..." which helps you come to know about yourself.<br />
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The most important thing when we say we want to change something or we want to make a change is to start with yourself first! Then think about family and community.<br />
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I like the way Goals for Girls has children prepare before they start their "We are the Change" project in their community with awareness. We must take the first step towards changing our community if we want to make lasting change. And it’s not that difficult, you just have to start. No worries even you fail, still try!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-28346081984416126622019-01-17T12:42:00.001-08:002019-01-21T17:06:18.315-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Kaili<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I connected to a lot of girls during the 2019 Goals for Girls Leadership Summit, especially those on my team. Saba, my team’s mentor, was an outstanding translator who I worked extremely well with. We both agreed that it felt as though we had known each other for a long time. Together, we always knew how to hype up our team and everyone around us. She was so positive and enthusiastic, it was contagious. <br />
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Saba and I spent a lot of time together throughout the summit so I got to learn a lot about her. She is 17 years old with three brothers and a sister. Her goal is to become a chief of police someday. She is a hard worker with a lot of passion for football. Saba taught many things, including that beauty really has nothing to do with looks. It’s how you are as a person and how you make others feel about themselves. I can’t think of a better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself. <br />
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Saba showed so much love in helping the other girls during sessions, especially during the ones when I was coaching. I saw so much kindness and compassion in her character and in the way she treated those around her. Thinking back, I am still just astounded by her actions and words. I hope that I can always radiate the same kind of beauty that Saba displayed throughout the summit. </div>
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Before India, I wasn't really comfortable in my own skin. The dancing made a big impression on me. Throughout high school, I was made fun of because I was “so tall and awkward’. Even after joining Raging Red, (Dixie’s State University’s Vocal and Dance Performance Team) I still hated the thought of dancing. But dancing with the girls at the Summit was different. There were no judgements. Everyone was so accepting. Everyone was just there to have fun and cheer you on. They taught me to just have fun, no matter what I’m doing, even if I may not be good at it. <br />
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At the end of the trip, the interns got to write letters to each member of their team. I really enjoyed doing this because of how personally I had gotten to know each girl. So many confided in me during sessions, meals, and down time. I learned to love the girls so fast. It wasn’t hard. Each girl was so amazing. At the end of the trip, my feelings were indescribable. The girls had shown me so much love and happiness (and Neha got me CRYING) from beginning to end. I made so many lasting friendships with the interns and participants. I have high hopes of returning, just like the other interns. India was definitely a highlight of my life and I will never forget it. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-36603090770910732482019-01-16T19:38:00.001-08:002019-01-21T17:06:26.660-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 2019 Goals for Girls Program was such a beautiful experience. I met so many amazing people and made so many new friends and connections. Sometimes I think I have known some of the girls all my life and they have become my second family. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the Leadership Summit I made a very strong connection with a girl named Aarti. She is such a beautiful and strong girl and has inspired me to be more confident in myself just as she is in herself. During the sessions Aarti was always giving her ideas and contributing and sharing her stories. I myself have never been one to be super open with people I don’t know very well. I want to be like Aarti and not be scared to share with others. I remember dancing with Aarti and many other girls and just feeling so happy. Aarti’s energy was so contagious. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the summit I tried to have high energy at all times even when it was difficult. When I felt I had no energy left I would look at Aarti or my pen pal, Poonam, and see the smile on their faces and see how happy they were that I instantly felt more energized. </span><br />
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Poonam made me feel so welcome when I first arrived at Slum Soccer. When we first arrived we had to go on a little scavenger hunt for balloons. Inside the balloons were gifts. As I was trying to find my balloons (and struggling) she took my hand and helped me find them. She always kept me on track, whether it was on the hike when I was going a little slow she would say “Come, Sky” or when we were walking down the streets she would always lead me in the right direction. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the Leadership Summit something we do is color team cheers. No one had any ideas and was very silent. She stepped up and created a great and super fun cheer. I could always count on her and that was amazing. She is such a great leader and has so many strong qualities. I look up to her and I hope one day I can be a strong leader like her. </span><br />
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My favorite part about the entire trip was the connections I made with everyone. Sometimes it is hard to communicate with others because of the language barrier but once we all started playing football there was no issue because we all speak the language of football. It was fun to see how every girl changed a little bit each day of the Leadership Summit and how they came out of their shells in all the games and sessions.
This trip was an experience different than the last and I am so thankful for both. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every single girl has taught me so much and has inspired me to be better. Whether its on the pitch, in school, or in my community, I want to be a leader and make a change. I am grateful to every single member of this program and I have learned so much from all of you!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-91835475888915559432019-01-13T20:23:00.002-08:002019-01-21T17:06:34.706-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Bri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here are a few things I learned in India-</div>
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Live life like Isha: Any of the girls can back me up when I say Isha could change moods. Whether it is her voice or simply her personality, Isha radiates happiness. After watching her play in goal, I know as an attacker, if I ever had a break away, I would become distracted simply by her smile. Her character influences those around her in such a positive light and her optimistic attitude is something we can all practice more. <br />
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Create goals like Bhumi: One of my sessions was called Powerful Speaking. The assignment that I had the girls do involved writing down one of their future goals and why that is their goal. Bhumi did not bring paper or a pencil to my session so I gave her my pen and journal to write in. Later that day when reading Bhumi’s goal I was blown away by the accuracy of her steps, the effort she described putting into it, but most importantly the heart behind her goal. Bhumi wants to become a doctor; in my journal she detailed her steps to doing so and highlighted her why in which she stated that she simply wanted to help poor people by promoting free medical care. Her heart for others and drive for her own goal is something we should implement everyday. <br />
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Walk like Gabby: As someone who often lacks confidence in my abilities, I was paired perfectly with Gabriella, the most humbly confident young lady I have ever met. One of my favorite memories involved us crossing the street, when wincing at the idea of all the speeding cars driving by me Gabby saw me second guessing, walked into the middle of the road, and put her hand out, stopping traffic and basically freezing time. Her confidence and insistence to be heard are two characteristics I personally should apply in my daily life. <br />
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Find strength in my rocks like Raksha: Although I heard so much about Raksha from the other interns, I did not fully understand her story until she opened up during a session game in which she led. The objective of the game centered around the notion that everyone is going through their own battles. After we played, we discussed some of our rocks and Raksha led with her own very touching story. Even though some details may have been lost in translation, I understood the gist of Raksha’s own rock. With this understanding the rock she carries I gathered that this could have easily painted a different pathway for this generous, courageous young lady. The rock she holds could have controlled her life, but she does not let it. Instead of blaming the world for this, hating life, asking why she deserves this, Raksha celebrates. She celebrates her family, her friends, and life in ways of acts of service. Her strength to move past her rock and use it to her advantage is something we can all practice with our own rocks.<br />
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Lead like Shivanni: Three years ago, when I first traveled to India, my penpal was Shivanni. She was at the time, a regular futbol player with the Slum Soccer organization. It was obvious how much her teammates respected her, how her powerful presence filled any room. On this past trip to India, I could not believe the young woman who picked me up from the airport. Someone who grabbed me by the arm and demanded to find my bags, someone who directed the uber safely, picked up call after call, and yet held a loving conversation with me. Seeing the growth in my penpal is something I cannot find the right words to explain. Shivanni’s natural leadership shines beyond her gender and beyond her age, it has always been evident but now after seeing it with my own eyes I can fully understand the impact this girl can have on the world. The way she graciously leads others, expects to be followed, and basically runs the show inspires me to lead in just the same way. <br />
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Dance like Slum Soccer: I know I have mentioned five particular girls, those in which I became particularly close to on the trip; but beyond these girls lies an entire organization in which I learned from. I could write chapters about these lessons but the most evident one I learned centered around dancing. The way every single slum soccer girl dances to any song playing, in any situation is something I will never get over. The happiness behind every step, every shoulder move (my favorite), every Zingaat dance and every lip sang lyric brought true happiness to anyone watching. Here in America it is Taboo to get up and dance at soccer practice, before class, outside, and literally at SCHOOL DANCES, but in India and especially at Slum Soccer it is taboo to not dance every time a song comes on. Every single girl at slum soccer taught me this whether it was Shital, Poonam, Mahima, Priyanka, Sapna, Mrunali, Rozi, or the five up above, they all made their own impact. The way they dance through life is something us girls need to practice at home.<br />
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Finally, Genuine friendships are important for our personal growth: The first time I left India I was so focused on materials. I thought it was insane that I had so much stuff while others didn't. I came home and purged some things, tried to change my lifestyle but as one can guess, after reality here hit this desire to live minimally slowly faded. With this disappearing lesson in mind, I wanted to approach this India trip with an open mind. I desired to learn something that wouldn’t change with time or location. After gathering a lot of little lessons here and there, I discovered I was learning so much more. The major lesson I learned this trip stems simply from the little stories described above in which could not be told if I didn’t genuinely adore the three girls. I learned that the closer you get to people by asking questions, listening to stories, and exploring their life, the more you grow yourself. After befriending, listening, and observing Isha, Bhumi, and Gabby I found myself trying to imitate their greatest features but in my own way. Today a goal of mine is to try to learn from those around me by listening intently and forming genuine friendships, thus seeking to grow from those around me. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945907739451700951.post-72017805110909777942019-01-13T15:55:00.000-08:002019-01-21T17:06:43.928-08:00Goals for Girls India Intern Perspective: Kellie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Traveling to India for my second time with Goals for Girls was incredible. Being part of a program that does amazing work brings so much happiness into my life.<br />
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A huge part of what made my experience this year even better than the last was the interns. Every girl who was part of program this year brought such a positive, bright spirit with them. During the two weeks I felt like we all became sisters. I think that our family-like behavior was noticed and then contagious for every participant at the Summit. This brought good energy and a lot of learning experiences throughout the Summit.<br />
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I really enjoyed being an intern because I had the opportunity to coach and lead sessions. Being able to do this brought me closer to each girl and helped me learn from them. One thing I learned this trip is to live in the moment and when you do, moments will be full of joy.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0