Goals for Girls

Goals for Girls Peru in 2012

2011-08-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

We have an exciting anouncement!

Goals for Girls is sending a North Carolina based soccer team to Cusco, Peru for the 2012 program. G4G has partnered with Girl Sport Works and together are planning an incredible program to continue the efforts of improving the lives of adolescent girls throught sport.

Stay tuned for the most up to date developments.

Goals for Girls joins the Global Women's Network

2011-08-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Global Women's Network is the wikipedia of women's and girl's organizations operating around the world. Check out the Goals for Girls profile here.

Goals for Girls Travels to Tajikistan

2011-08-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

In July, Ian Oliver and Jackie Skinner traveled to Tajikistan on behalf of Goals for Girls to participate in the International Sports Programming Initiative of Tajikistan (ISPIT), a program funded by the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by American Councils of International Education.
They traveled alongside Brian Cognato of Peaceplayer's International and Dr. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard of Northern Iowa University. Together and alongside 8 Tajik sport coaches, they held a 10 day overnight clinic for 38 coaches throughout the country in the town of Khujand.
Session topics included:

Nutrition

How to start sports programs from the bottom up

Fundraising

Sport-specific trainings

How sport can bridge cultural and ethnic divides

Goalsetting

Teambuilding

Incorporating lifeskills into sports

Coaching ethics

How to increase community support

Gaining parental support

Importance of physical education

And MUCH more

Ian and Jackie focused specifically on increasing the participation of girls in sports throughout the country. They led a session that included a discussion on the benefits of girls participation in sports, followed by identifying the obstacles girls in Tajikistan face that prevent this participation. As a camp, they all further discussed the "how to" behind getting more girls involved in sports.

Zebuniso Rustamova, a three time world champion in archery and a huge advocate of female sports in Tajikistan, furthered this conversation by relating it to the local context.

One camp day, everyone went to observe a "success story" that was implemented at a small school in a rural town called "Girls on the Run." We visited with the coaches and administrators that implemented this program and met with the young girls that were eager to tell us about it. It served as a great model of what is possible with limited funds and passionate hearts. While visiting "Girls on the Run", Zadina, one of our Tajik coaches, led some games with the young girls, and also discussed how she was anxious to implement a similiar program in her region.

If one picture could illustrate the change occuring in Tajikistan, and the opportunity and potential this change is giving girls in relation to sports, it is the one below.

One of the coaches we worked with received notification that he was awarded with a grant that will include creating the first ever girls soccer league (amongst many other things). Goals for Girls is looking forward to working on this project.

4-10-10

2010-04-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first real day of soccer. We all traveled over to the Football for Hope Center in the middle of Khayelitsha. Each team played in a preliminary tournament in preparation for the big culminating event today. We also participated in more the skillz curriculum, dribbling around the obstacles in life that can lead to HIV/AIDS, avoiding sugar mommies and sugar daddies, multiple partners, and drugs and alcohol. We popped balloons to learn about teamwork, and watched a video about the necessity of getting tested. The music blasting from the Football for Hope Center and the soccer games on the field, drew a huge crowed of local men and boys, all hanging on the outside of the field, watching us play. It was amazing to see how much soccer means to this community. Despite all the hardships that they face in Khayletisha, whenever these men were watching soccer a smile lit up there face. I am very excited to see how today's soccer/health fare will affect the community, to see how many will come, and how many will get tested.

4-8-10: South Africa and Namibia Take Over!

2010-04-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a few reactions from the girls at Girlz Got Skillz about our tour around Khaylitsha, the local township that most of the South African girls live in:

"Khayelitsha was so nice! And we saw many places such as the Magistrate Courts and we even ate a meat called Umbengo. My favorite part when we went to the tour guides house and saw his room and all his cycling medals. "-Siphosethu, South Africa

"I liked the fielld where we were playing soccer and we were eating and when we climbed up and saw all of Khayelitsha" "The meat was so nice" -Kema and Natalia, Namibia

"I liked it because we eat meat that we like and we eat breads. We walked around and saw how the city looked like and we even saw some different tribes. It's different from Namibia because there we don't have such buildings, and we have bushes there. And we don't really see those big buildings like we saw in Khayelitsha. I have learned a lot because in some of the areas in my country in Namibia, I have never been to the hills and I have never seen the ocean, and even some of the animals are different here and I have never seen them, like the squirrel." -Elise, Namibia

Here are a few reactions about Greenpoint Stadium, the 2010 Fifa World Cup Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa:

"I liked the stadium of the soccer a lot. Because, it's a new building, it's very big, not like ours in Namibia. There's many seats, so there are a lot of levels. So, I just want to say that it was nice to meet nice friends from America. It's nice to share stories with each other. Take care all, love you!" -Nalooliwa, Namibia

"We liked the way we built it and the grass was beautiful." "The lights were really cool too." -Kema and Natalia, Namibia

More to come from the American girls. Stay tuned! In the meantime, here's a picture from earlier in the trip:

2010-04-07T09:33:00.001-07:00

Presenting our slide show about the Resiliency Race. It was great to watch the faces of the Namibians and South Africans as we showed them the fun animations and styles of PowerPoint.

2010-04-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we all took part in the Resiliency Race, a scavenger hunt around Cape Town. Each team went their separate ways, with a Grassroots Soccer coach as a chaperone. We took pictures of hospitals, government buildings, and parks. The most interesting part, however, was interviewing people on the street about their reactions to the 2010 World Cup. Although many were excited for the country, a few were upset. They fervently argued their case, stating that the government money spent on the stadiums and on the promotion of the World Cup, could better be spent building houses and schools. That afternoon, each team put together a PowerPoint presentation and presented it for a group of influential Cape Townians. The purple team WON!

4-5-10: The Girl in the Green

2010-04-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today we were shoved back into reality. After four lovely days of relaxation and touring, we entered the real world today as we arrived at the sports school to meet our South African and Namibian counterparts. After dumping our bags, we all walked together into the cafeteria where we were immediately taken in by the smiles and good cheer of the South Africans. They welcomed us to their tables, quickly drawing us into conversations about our lives, our schools, our families. After settling in, we all went to the field, split into teams, and played our first real games of soccer in South Africa. At lunch, communication had at points been an issue. On the soccer field, however, all of that disappeared.
One girl especially held my attention. Dressed all in green, her smile stood out because it was one of the largest. At every event, whether it was on the field, or in the classroom discussing HIV/AIDS, she participated to the best of her ability. For any question, she would have an answer. For any tricky soccer move, a resounding tackle. I have the honor of being on her team, and through two conversations, I have been able to learn about her life, about her four brothers and sisters, her two dogs, and her favorite subjects in school. If the girl in the green is any example of how this week is going to progress, then I have high hopes for the days to come.

4-5-10: Penguins, Baboons, and Ostriches

2010-04-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Windswept was the word of the day for April 4th. Animals were the main attraction. We started out our day with a beautiful drive over and through the Silver Mine Mountains. Huge peaks rose up on either side, and valleys stretched below. We were headed to Cape Point, the southern-most point in Africa. On the way, we stopped in Simon’s Town to visit the penguins. Clustered together in their holes, or strewn about along the beach, they were perhaps some of the cutest things I have ever seen. The best part for most of us was being able to walk just an arm’s reach away and stare intently at their funny feet or their beaks. Later on during the drive, passing through a narrow stretch of road on the side of a cliff, signs started popping up announcing things like, “Baboons are dangerous animals” and “Do NOT feed the baboons.” And all of a sudden, the baboons themselves appeared. Families of baboons perched precariously on the side of the cliff, looking into car windows and begging for food. And on the last stretch of drive to Cape Point, ostriches populated the side of the road, strutting in front of the cars and bobbing their heads in the grass.
When we finally reached Cape Point, my breath was blown away with the wind. The cliffs went straight into the sea, and the huge waves came crashing down on the rocks below. We hiked to the lighthouse on the top of the cliff, staring over the ocean to where we thought was Antarctica. The kilometers to different cities were listed on a pole, telling us that New York City was around 12000 kilometers away. For many of us, 12000 kilometers is the farthest away from home we have ever been.

4-5-10: A Word from the Girls

2010-04-05T02:46:00.000-07:00

I asked each girl to describe the trip so far in one word. Here is what we got:

Brilliant
Eye-Opening
Overwhelming
Colorful
Unreal
Breathtaking
Inspiring
Different
Bulbous

Soccer near the Ocean

2010-04-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

This past afternoon we played in a local pick-up soccer game near the ocean with local Cape Townians. DC and NC girls vs. Cape Town Boys. Goals for Girls won 4-3! We were very excited to play with some of the local people, especially in such a beautiful setting. According to the NC girls they were, "hilarious and friendly people!" We're hoping to play them again tonight.

4-4-10: Days 1 and 2

2010-04-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

I think that I can sum up some our first two days here for all of the girls by saying that, so far, everything has been utterly surreal. No matter how many times we say, “We’re in Africa!” for all of us, nothing has really sunk in. From experiencing the nightlife on the water in Cape Town to driving through beautiful wine county on the way to a Safari, it seems like we’re in someone else’s life.
For the past two days we’ve been living the good life in Cape Town, riding the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain, taking a tour of Robben Island to see the cell Nelson Mandela spent so much of his life in, and stopping to let elephants cross the road while watching rhinos drink from a pond. Today, however, I think many of us (certainly those who were awake on the drive to and from the safari) finally had our eyes opened to what we will be facing in the week ahead. As we drove through the beautiful Paarlberg Mountains, vineyards streaming by on either side, we got our first look at the crushing poverty that faces so many people who live in Africa. Despite the beautiful vineyards and houses surrounding them, most of the local workers were living in what could, at best, be called a shack. With walls and a roof of tin, they seemed to try and be making the best out of what they considered home. Some had laundry strung up outside, other’s had small gardens blooming in the front yard, and some even had addresses painted near the entrance.
As we drove passed the squatter camps, I looked around at the faces of my teammates in the van. Many turned to each other in disbelief. Some jaws even hung open. The contrast between what we had been living in and around for the first few days and the squatter camp on the side of the road, between what we had been experiencing in Africa and what they experience every day, was heart-wrenching. From the looks on the faces of the girls in the van, everybody felt the same sadness creep over them. It certainly reminded me, and I’m sure many of the other girls, why we’re here. Although the touring is great fun, although pumping music in the van, seeing hippos and elephants, and eating delicious food is comfortable and exciting, we are really hear to make a change, to help make a little dent in the community to make it better.

Jordan

2009-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

This was the most amazing experience! I loved every minute of it, even when our bus was being flooded with cockroaches. :) I have so many great memories of this trip I could literally go on all day. Although it was so fun going out and seeing the sights of beautiful Uganda and going on Safaris, my favorite part was building the relationships with all of my many friends I now have in Uganda. They are all such happy people and I will never forget all of the lessons they taught me. I know like many girls have said before, we went there to teach them but really they eneded up teaching us, and it is so true! I have learned so much from this trip, my life will never be same and I hope I never forget the amazing time we all shared there!

Wow...

2009-08-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

One of Margaret Mead’s most famous quotes is “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I like that quote, and I believe in that quote. I repeated this quote to the girls before we left. We have been working on this project for about 10 months and all of the girls have spent countless hours fundraising, preparing, learning, etc…and have been very committed throughout this project’s entirety. They didn’t know really what they were getting themselves into, but their motives were sincere and all of us had a common goal: to leave an impact or be impacted. To have eyes opened and to open eyes.

I narrowed Margaret Mead’s quote down for the girls… “changing the world” is quite cliché these days and a little ambiguous. But I told them you can change “your world” and how you view it….or the Laroo student that became your close friend’s world, or the children at the orphan homes’ worlds that you were able to inspire, or the baby who was near death and we were able to buy her a feeding tube that most likely saved her life, or donating $1,000 to a small orphan home and now the children can go to school and receive medical care, or helping thousands of kids in Gulu play in a soccer league, or giving bare essentials to people in a refugee camp that have nothing. These people’s “worlds were changed” by this committed group of 16 girls.

Since we have returned home, I have received countless emails from various people we worked with in Uganda; from the staff at the Kids League, to directors at children’s homes, to school headmasters, to different girls we played along our tour, to students that we became close friends with, etc. etc. I have also heard from random people throughout the world curious and inspired by our project. I have also received phone calls from other sports teams throughout the US that want to do a similar service trips as a team. Random people throughout our community (that I don’t know) have also contacted me sending their support and admiration for what we were out to do. I have also received so many emails from our Goals for Girls team members expressing the impact this trip has had on their lives and how it has opened their eyes and hearts to the “real world”. That is exactly what Suzy and I had envisioned for this project: to impact lives, for these 16 girls to see beyond their “worlds” in Provo, Utah, and for these girls to realize the ability and opportunities they have to impact others, both locally and internationally. Also, we wanted them to really believe in this year’s motto: “That every girl should have a goal” and to always be working to make their goals reality.

Thank you to the 16 girls, 3 chaperones, parents, the film crew, and Suzy for making this trip so incredible. It turned out so great, and was exactly what I had been envisioning for a year now. It has been worth all of the many hours and hard work we have put into it. Also, thank you to the staff at HELP International, the Kids League, and Ian Oliver for all of the direction and assistance they gave us along the way. And thank you to the many donors that contributed to this experience, including Farmers Insurance, CALLE, US Soccer Foundation, and BYU Women’s Soccer. I have really loved working on this project, and getting to know these 16 girls, and watching them interact and help the many Ugandans we were blessed to know. I am sad it is over. I enjoyed coming across obstacles with the girls and trying to hurdle them together to make it such a success. They are such a unique group, and I love and adore each of them. Thank you everyone….for making this goal of ours come true! Stay tuned for the upcoming documentary on our trip!!!

*Posted by Jackie

Uganda!!!

2009-07-08T20:04:00.000-07:00

Unconditional Love. They just want to hold your hand. And I just want to hold theirs! The happiness that just glows and the smiles that reach out, I am going back for more!! There is still so much to learn about the people, the culture, the animals, and history. For me, the two weeks we did get have exploded into a lifetimes worth of personal growth.

One experience that will stay with me forever – At Laroo I made friends with a girl named Joyce. Some of you may remember her also. Coolest girl ever! One time after dinner she noticed the red dirt on my feet and arms that seems to just be a natural part of living and playing soccer there in Africa. She told me to follow her and she led me to her dorm. From under her bed she pulled a bright red basin. Filled it with water from her personal stash. Showed me without touching the water what it was for. She helped me wash my feet and hands. Making sure my flip-flop dirt line was clean and arms too. She then gave me her towel to dry myself. All the time smiling, wanting to help me and make me happy! I thought that was supposed to be my job!! I received more service being with these people then I could ever hope to return back to them. What Joyce gave me was a sacrifice for her. Water is precious. She saved that dirty water. I learned so much more about what it means to surrender something valuable for something greater.

But don’t worry, through all this serious personal growth, I also gained some practical skills. How to pee really fast and hold my breath at the same time. How to pretend cockroaches were big stinging monsters (Suzy will remember this one : ) How to tie mosquitoes nets effectively. How to kind of sleep and write in my journal at the same time. How to deal with angry fan night demons. How to use foreign looking keys. How to sleep on a roller coaster. And how to instantaneously come up with fun games to play with large groups of excited kids without speaking their language.

I love Uganda!! And am so very grateful for Jackie and Suzy who made this opportunity possible for all of us girls. And for our crazy film crew who are taking on this crazy project. Thanks!

-Chanel Arts-

Joyce and me

Jumping rope in Uganda

Sweet soccer moves!

Looking at the same world through changed eyes

2009-07-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

I need to start off by saying this blog entry is so delayed because I've kept trying to put it off because the thought of trying to put in words my feelings about this experience is so overwhelming and impossible. Having said that... here i go.

Finally back home in Provo Utah I feel like I am living in a world that I hardly know. My whole life I've been safe, loved, comfortable, and have thought the hardest thing in the world was getting home on time for curfew. Now everything I see and hear and watch as I am with my friends or family is processed in an entirely new mindset.

To try and describe or explain my thoughts on this trip is near impossible--as I'm sure everyone agrees with me. Before we set off on this trip I pictured myself coming home disgusted with all that i have, I expected to feel sick as I looked at my house and closet. I was waiting for the sudden overpowering experience that would change my entire life.

Now I am back, and the change that's taken place within me is greater but much different than i thought it would be. Looking back on this trip, I've realized that it's all the tiny things i didn't even give much thought to, that are the moments i will treasure forever. It is the simple things like when i close my eyes and remember the feeling of Jennifer holding my hand, or when I think back to how hard it was to carry a water jug on my head for five feet. It's the beautiful smiles of the orphans, and the masterpieces of sidewalk chalk covering the cement at Laroo. It's spider swinging at Sanyu babies home with little Sarah. It is all these small things like picking beans for Paul and Rose, or learning how to say 'elinya liange ze anne' that have one by one made a difference.

Everyday now I realize how much i miss Uganda, and how much I LOVE all the people. This trip opened my eyes to a world i never knew was out there. It has made me realize how many people and languages and cultures there are in this world, and has showed me that I have such a long ways to go until I am half the person these loving selfless little kids already are.

And lastly i want to say THANK YOU JACK AND SUZI! I don't think I will ever figure out how you two pulled this off. And thank you thank you thank to EVERYONE that helped me or any one of us.
--Anne Collins

Anne Sudweeks

2009-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

My experience in Uganda was something so incredible it is hard to even put it into words. I kept telling my husband at home that I can't even tell you everything because you won't even understand or comprehend what I am saying. My life has been changed forever. When I saw these children and adults that were so happy and they didn't have anything it was hard to understand. I kept thinking, wow if my kids at home ever complain about anything again, I will send them to Africa to show them how good they have it. The people of Africa are so amazing and hard working. I felt sorry for them because I felt bad for them and all the things they are missing. But then I thought how I want to be more like them instead of so spoiled. I want to help them and give them all that I have because I feel so guilty because I have so much and they have so little.

I loved how the children would sing to us about their life and how they wanted to welcome us. Their smiles for so warm and loving. They had great harmony too.

I have never seen so many children in my life. They were everywhere walking to and from school in their colored school uniforms. Most of them did not have shoes. The uniforms were clean but very worn out, with lots of rips and buttons missing. All the children had short hair and the only way to tell if they were male or female was to see if they had a skirt on or not. But most of all they were so happy, especially to see us.

Going to Africa was by far the hardest thing I have ever done, and also the most rewarding. I learned so much and appreciate every thing about American. I will never complain about paying taxes again. I have a greater appreciation for the simple things in life and for my family. I want to return with my family to do service for the people of Uganda. I love them so much and want to help them have a better life. Anne Sudweeks

Blessings and Choices!

2009-07-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to express the joy I experienced in Uganda. Even with the effects of war and poverty, never in my life have I met a more happy, faithful, loving people. Having been blessed with being able to spend two weeks there, I have realized a great many things.

First being, "Where much is given, much is required." This quote has given me so much insight. I have been given much in the sense of wordly goods: family, house, clothes, education, money. Therefore, I am required to give and serve those in poverty, those that have 'less' than I do. While our brothers and sisters in Uganda have been given great love, forgiveness, faith, and a hope that will never be extingished. And for THAT, they are required to live in the turmoil, the poverty and the sadness that plagues Africa. However... they have so much more. They are truly blessed, and in the ways that matter. And to be honest, I am jealous. Jealous because they can have so much less than I can, and yet be SO much happier. That happiness draws me to the people of Uganda, and I love them so much. This realization has shown me the responsibility I have, and has given me the knowledge that I will forever be in the service of my family that is halfway around the world.

Secondly- As Aya previously mentioned, "the change I thought would happen within me didn't." Since my return, I have bought new clothes. I have been selfish. When I am in my comfy bed, or opening my cooled refridgerator stocked with food, I am generally thinking about the silly little things. I too, thought I would be a new person. And I too, am not. I am still same old Alex. However, there is one difference. I have a choice. A choice to be "same old Alex," or a choice to be consistantly serving, and constantly looking to help. And that is my blessing, my choice. A choice not very many other people realize they have. And while in the moment I might be worrying about my bad hair day, in the big picture, I have chosen to help the people of Uganda. And I will continue to help them and to make that choice.

--Alex White

Service brings smiles:)

2009-06-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Emily Curtis!
3 weeks ago I flew to Africa to spend 2 weeks in hopes to serve. It was an incredible experience.
Out of everything we did the best experience was our night in Laroo. We stayed at the Laroo Boarding school which is a school for kids who had been formally abducted or effected by the war. I had the incredible chance to listen to some of the girls stories of being in the war. I wrote in my journal this, “ Tonight we got to know the girls who were formally abducted. It was an incredible feeling when they told us their story. They had been through more trials in 10-15 years than I will experience in my whole lifetime. One girl told us of a horrible method the Rebels had used to kill but because God helped her she was saved, she said.
One of the girls I became very close friends with wrote me a letter telling me how much she believed that God had brought us there to help her find hope. I also got many other letters saying how much our visit sincerely helped them because of the service we offered.
While in Africa it really felt great to use my strengths and talents to help and share with others.
A time on the trip that I experienced a change in heart is when we attended church there. The chapel was no bigger than my room, they had two classrooms and a Bishops office and we more than doubled their congregation. Although their branch was so small their faith was so strong. The simple things some people tend to forget and maybe take for granted are what mean so much to these people.
The biggest thing I miss most about Africa is simply holding a kid in my arms. I would love when they would just run up to you even though they had no clue who you were. I loved picking them up and just letting them know they were loved.

Small Things - Aya

2009-06-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

I can't even put into words all the feelings I felt those 2 weeks in Uganda. I wish I was still there. Everyday was a new adventure, everyday new friends, everyday I learned something new. Uganda taught me humility, selflessness, courage, hope, faith, love and friendship. The kids taught me how to hold on, how to forgive, how to smile, and even how to play soccer. Since I have been back a lot of things have been standing out to me that I never noticed before. For one thing how spoiled we all are! It has helped me be more grateful for the little things in life, and also it helped me to not worry about the meaningless things most of us spend too much time dwelling on. Although I have been changed, the change I thought would happen within me didn't. I thought when I came home I wouldn't be able to buy new cloths or take a hot shower without a sorrow in my heart for all the people in Uganda, I thought I would be a new person. but instead, I'm really still the same person, just with new friendships, new hope, new courage, and maybe a better understanding of the world. When people ask me what my favorite part about my trip was, it is impossible to only think of just one experience. I thought when I came back that I would have amazing experiences that I could wow everyone with. But I don't. But you know what, it doesn't even matter. Its the little experiences that impacted me the most. And to me they are wow stories. Like seeing all the kid's faces at the IDP camps as I blew bubbles for them, or hearing that little boy at Sanus babies home sing twinkle-twinkle little star in his cute little accent, or hearing the cheer of the crowd as either team scored a goal or did a simple move, and even just walking around holding a new friends hand, without a word being spoken because we cant even understand each other. It is those small moments that I will remember most about Uganda.

Two Homes, One Family

2009-06-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

It is so weird coming home and finding trash cans, clean showers, toilets, good food, nice cars and all the other nice things that come with America. But for some reason none of those things really appeal to me as much as they used to. Going to Africa has changed my life. I have learned so much, including that materialistic things really don't mean that much to me. The Ugandan people have rarely anything, nothing fancy; they just live simple lives. They base their lives on school, church and service. Every time I asked a boy or girl, "What is your most favorite thing to do?" The answers would either come out, "church, school, or otherwise, futball." This was so surprising to me because back at home in America, the answers to that question would probably be "What is your least favorite thing to do?" I am so much more grateful for my education now more then ever. Not only am I given the chance to go to school, but I really do go to a terrific school at that. I mean, one of the teachers at Timpview High was the one who put this whole adventure together! (Thanks Jackie) There were too many experiences from my trip to pick just one favorite. But in general, my favorite part would be when we were driving and if we were stopped we would hand out candy or food or a treat to whoever was standing by. The surprised looked on these people's faces was priceless. Their gratitude and surprise was just a warm feeling. There were plenty of other and much, much bigger acts of service we performed, but overall, making the people in Uganda happy and being made happy in return was my favorite. Two totally different types of people, living in two totally different worlds, can still connect and become friends, either through the game of futball or by just sharing histories with one another. Uganda is a second home, and I hope to revisit all the people there someday soon again!

-Kelsey Badger.

There and Back Again. Whew . . .

2009-06-22T12:16:00.001-07:00

So glad they're back! 44 hours of travel later they arrive in SLC smiling.

AMAZING!

2009-06-21T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Andrea Boshard and I traveled with the team as a mom/chaperone/nurse. Since I have been home, I have been asked many times how my trip to Africa was. How do I answer that question in less than 30 minutes? My mind is still trying to process all the images and experiences we had during our stay in Uganda. As I think back on all the things I saw and all the emotions I felt during our 2 weeks in Africa, I find myself suffering from sensory overload. If I could use only one word to describe my trip to Uganda it would be "Amazing". I will never view the world the same way I did 3 weeks ago. The visit to the IDP camp was probably the experience that had the most impact on me. I honestly never imagined that such a place existed, and in some ways I wish I could return to my blissful ignorance. Words cannot describe the poor conditions at these camps and my heart aches for the people living there. On a lighter note, I am so proud of the girls for their positive attitudes and the kindness they showed to all the children they worked with as well as towards each other. One of the highlights for me was when we gathered togeher each night and shared our "favorite thing" for that day. It was often difficult to choose just one, and was so touching to hear the thoughts of the others. I am grateful for all the time and efforts of Jackie and Suzie to pull this huge endeaver off. I am also grateful for the life I have been given. At one point Jackie reminded us that... where much is given much is required. I hope to always remember this and aspire to do what I can to help those less fortunate.

Suds

2009-06-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

All i can say is i can't wait to come back.
Uganda is such an amazing place with incredible people who have changed my life.

for more pictures and journal entries go to
http://uganda09.xanga.com/

Wow!

2009-06-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, that's all I have to say! No, really, I cannot believe that Jackie and I pulled this off and not only that, it was more amazing that we could have imagined. I'm going to make this short, but just want to share one of my favorite moments.................wait, there are too many! Since there are too many, I will just share one. At Sanyu babies home there were two babies who really needed feeding tubes, but the money wasnt' there to get them for the babies. Two of our girls took their own money and gave it to the American volunteer and asked her to use that money to get the babies medical care. I was so moved watching these two girls hand off the money to a visibly emotional Hedda (the social worker). She was so impressed and so was I ! Come to find out, that feeding tube saved at least one of the babies from starving to death. I always have such a hard time coming home. My husband asked me yesterday how long it took me last time to "snap out of it". Does one ever "snap out of it"? The things we saw leave impressions on our spirit that never truly ever go away. I am in mourning, mourning for the things I saw and people I met, but I am not mourning for them, I am mourning because I am no longer with them. We set out on a journey to "help people", but what I find evertime I come home, is that I have been blessed far more than I have blessed anyone while I am there. I am sad, I miss all of the girls, chaperones, and mostly my friends in Uganda. God be with you till we meet again. Suzy

the Mzungu speaks

2009-06-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've only been back in Utah for a couple of days but already I am missing Uganda. People have been asking me what my favorite part was and the honest truth is that EVERYTHING was my favorite part. From the feeling of not showering to being called a mzungo to watching the kids smiled as we interacted with them. I loved playing soccer with the girls and watching their eyes light up as they scored a goal and then immediately after hearing the crowd cheer so loud I got the chills.
One of my favorite experiences was visiting Paul and Rosa's orphanage. When we arrived a girl named Mary grabbed my hand and showed me around. We pulled beans in the garden, fetched water and played games. During our conversation I would ask her if she liked doing her chores, going to school, etc. She would always reply yes with a huge smile. I couldn't believe this girl was the same age as my ten year old sister who can't even make her own bowl of cereal. I loved the way Mary was so happy and content with her life. It seems like we have so much and yet we still want so more, These kids at the orphanage had so little but it was enough and they were satisfied.
One of the eye openers I had was at laroo Boarding school. We were talking in our groups and me and Aya were talking to a girl named Nancy. She told us how the war had effected her and that since bothof her parents had died there wasn't any one to pay for her to continue into highschool. She said that she was working very hard in school but she didn't know what she was going to do after she graduated from p7. I immedietly felt so grateful for the educatoin I am provided and wondered why I always complained about homework when Nancy would do anthing to learn. I definetly take my education for granted.
I still don't quite understand why our lives are so different and I was given so much. The only answer I can find is that they are much stronger and can take it.
there are so many memories and moments that I wish I could repeat over and over again, unfortunately there is no way for me to ever give them justice just by writing them down. Uganda has taught me so much and I know the best way for me to share my experience is to be more grateful, kinder, patienter, and happy with what I have.

-Sarah Jane Curtis

p.s. Thank you so much to anyone who contributed to getting me to Uganda, and thank you Jackie and Suzy especially for working so hard and doing so much!
****I haven't uploaded any pictures but in about two weeks I'll be able to****

2009-06-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

KKL hosts girls’ team from the US

Wednesday, 17th June, 2009

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A player from the US team challenges a Kawempe girl. Kawempe won the 4-team event

By Andrew Kabuura

THE Kampala Kids’ League (KKL) is expanding its soccer development programme to girls and women.

The KKL, which has for years been developing and nurturing young talent, in collaboration with Timp View High School, USA, flew in a girl’s team to compete against local sides.

The team, Goal for Girls, which has played in Gulu and Jinja consists of 15-19 year-old girls.

“Our main target is to encourage the young girls who think they can’t do what men can,” said Jackie Skinner, the Timp View coach/player.

“We hope our presence here can encourage many young girls to believe in themselves,” she added after playing a game at the Kabira Country Club in Bukoto near Kampala.

Trevor Dudley, the KKL manager also believes the iniative will yield fruits soon.

“All we are doing is show Ugandan girls that women are equally good in the game,” he said.

Dudley plans to incorporate a ladies’ team in the KKL tour of Europe.

“In the next threes years we should have a formidable girls’ team to tour Europe and compete” he promised.

KKL is set to tour Europe to compete in several tournaments in Sweden and Denmark. The team will play FC Barcelona’s junior team among others in Sweden before they compete in the Gothia Cup. They depart on the June 23.

Timp View which departs today has visited disadvantaged children to encourage the young girls to take up sport.

“Yes, we have been to IDP camps in Gulu, babies’ homes and schools in Lugazi,” explained Skinner.

2009-06-18T07:21:00.001-07:00

Dear all,

Below is a link to an article in todays New Vision (Uganda's main newspaper) on the girls tour.

It has been a pleasure hosting such a wonderful bunch of girls who have helped us raise awareness here in Uganda that girls CAN play soccer.

I hope they all arrive safely back home.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/685034

Yours in sport,

Trevor Dudley

Country Director,

The Kids League, PO Box 8392, Kampala, Uganda

Tel +256 414 234650, Mob +256 772 415193

Farewell Uganda

2009-06-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

These two weeks have just flown by for us. Each day feels like a week, and each week feels like a day. Here is the update from the past two days:

Monday we woke up early and hopped on the bus to travel back to Kampala. We arrived back at Red Chilli campground at about noon, and caught lunch there. Then the girls went shopping in a craft market. After, Trevor (of the Kids League) took us to a really nice dinner in the City.

Tuesday, we woke up and headed to the playing grounds of our tournament. There is a national League here with the best female players in Uganda, and we played against the country's 3 top teams. Four of the girls we played against were National team players. We were pretty impressed. Not to mention, some of the women were in their mid to late twenties. We had three games: tied the first (against the best team), lost the second 0-1 with a fluke goal, and won the last 1-0. They only had ten minute halves so we had some struggles getting the ball in the goal (nothing new...haha). We had a lot of fun. Because of the point system they were using, we ended up in third place (but really tied with the second place team). A reporter from the New Vision (the country's leading newspaper) talked to me after about the girls experience here and what we are all about. I think it is in the paper today but haven't checked. After the tournament, we presented each of the other three teams with 15 balls each (thanks to REAL Salt Lake), our blue bracelets, and some "baby legs". We also gave the winning team Calle shirts. They were all pretty excited about the gifts. We also explained to them our purpose in coming, and invited them to join us in helping the younger generation of girls believe in gender equality in sports (esp. soccer), and to promote goal-centered lives amongst these young girls.

Trevor then took us to lunch at a nice country club (didn't feel like we were in Africa at all), and the wife of the American Ambassador came to meet with us. She went around and talked to each of the girls and we told her all about our project. It was a neat opportunity. We then were invited to Trevor's home for a goodbye party put on by the Kids League. Most of the staff came and we really enjoyed spending our last night with them.

Now, the girls are doing some last minute shopping at the craft market, will come back and pack and then off they go for their gruesome flights home.

This has been such a great trip, and Suzy and I are so glad everything has worked out as it has. There have been a few unexpected bumps/incidents, but overall I think the girls have had a great experience. Some of them don't want to go home at all, and for most it is a bitter sweet thing... sad to be leaving but anxious to see you all. Thank you for letting your daughters join us on this trip/project. I think they will forever look at the world a little differently.

Thanks for everything-

Jackie and Suzy

Goodbye to Gulu

2009-06-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi All-
Its Sunday night in Gulu. The girls are all in their rooms or asleep, and I thought I'd jump away and catch everyone up.

Yesterday when we arrived at Laroo the girls were playing soccer with the boys... something Ronnie, the sports teacher, said doesn't happen. We were excited. The whole day was filled with tournament play. They mixed our girls with 4 high schools in Gulu. We had lunch catered for all 4 teams and they were pretty excited about that. Sarah and Emily Curtis's team took the championship. The final game ended in a shoot out... the keeper on the losing team was in tears...sad. But the winners were SO excited. By the time it was all done, we were all exhausted. It was a really hot day. After the tournament, we went back to the hotels and ate dinner and just relaxed.

The next day we went back to Laroo for our final hours with them. When we walked into the assembly hall and they had the banner hanging up with signatures from the whole student body. We were excited to see it. We ate a catered lunch, and then broke into our groups and hung out with the girls one final time. We then gathered the student body and some administrators and sang to them "I love you like a mango", "Child's Prayer", and a song Aya and Kimmy wrote especially for that school. We then summarized what we donated to the school (soccer goal nets, a set of uniforms, 5 balls, t-shirts for the entire student body and staff, a banner, notebooks for the entire student body, bracelets for all the girls, Sports for Life books for the entire student body, 16 mosquito nets, 5 catered meals for the student body, etc.). We reminded them to keep SMART goals, and told them we would always remember them. There were a lot of tears from their students. Goodbyes are always hard.

We then drove to an IDP camp (Internally Displaced Persons Camp), and split into two groups and walked through. We met many of the people that lived in the huts, and saw many, many malnourished children. We had a huge entourage of children following us. There was a drunk older guy that was screaming about how the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer... and how incredibly angry he was that we have a president with East African roots, and how he is ignoring the situation there, and how many people are dying and starving and no one is doing anything about it. He was really intense, and you could see the anger in his eyes. We then gathered all of the children and community leaders and presented them with the education packets we organized a few days earlier that were donated by the service group in Provo. The girls also left a lot of their clothes and other toys. They were very grateful. We left everything to the community members to distribute, and the girls jumped on the bus before I ended the presentation so chaos wouldn't break out.

We then went back to the hotel, ate, and now are about to go to bed. It has been a really busy few days. Tomorrow I probably won't write, and we will just be driving back to Kampala, going to the craft markets, and out to dinner. It will be a low key day. Tuesday we are playing in a big tournament with the national women's league.

Hope all is going well at home.

Update #2 from Gulu

2009-06-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-

Sorry I did not get an email out to you yesterday. I separated from the group to go send one out, was almost ready to push send, and the electricity went out. And just now, a wrote another entire email, and the page automatically refreshed and everything was deleted. Grrrrrrrrr...Ok... third try here we go...:)

So Thursday night we stayed at Acholi Inn in Gulu. We ate dinner at the hotel, and after dinner one of our hosts from the Kids League, Michael, shared with the girls his experiences as a young boy in Gulu during the war. The girls were quite captivated. We then had a team meeting to go over the assembly one final time before morning.

Yesterday morning, most of the girls went into the market to get some cute dresses made for dirt cheap, while a few others came to Laroo with me to prepare for the assembly and make sure the dormitory was all set. The Laroo girls were SO excited for our girls to come. They had just finished mopping our dormitory and welcomed us with huge smiles.

When the girls arrived, they organized their belongings and made their beds, and then we gathered in the assembly hall for the assembly. The administration welcomed us and some of the students danced for us. We then gave our assembly. The movie we made was a hit, and each of our 16 girls had speaking parts. We talked about the importance of not only having goals, but having SMART goals. We also discussed self-worth, the interference of obstacles in our lives (esp. the war for them), and the importance of "team" and how you need to let teachers, classmates, and others help you. We were careful not to say families because most of these kids do not have them. We were SOO proud of the girls during the assembly. They did such a great job.

After the assembly, we had lunch and rested for a short bit before the soccer clinic. At about 3pm, girls teams from three other high schools arrived without shoes and in their dresses. We handed each team a new set of uniforms (donated by US Soccer Foundations "Passback" program). They went to change, and all came out in lines in their new uniforms and jogged onto the fields. They looked so good in their new uniforms. We then divided the Ugandan girls into 7 groups and they rotated in stations for the clinic. We then ended with our message that "every girl should have a goal" whether it is the kind on a soccer field or in life. It was hot, but our girls seemed to really enjoy teaching them.

We then took the girls into town for a cold drink and to just sit and decompress. After, we returned to the school and ate dinner (traditional Ugandan food), and then divided into our 5 groups to have closer interaction with the Laroo girls. Our girls went over the Laroo girls SMART goals, played get to know you games, sang, danced, and talked about "life". Many of the Laroo girls opened up and told their stories to our girls. The stories we have heard are heart-wrenching. It is so hard to swallow what all of these kids have been through...yet they are so resilient and faithful. We then all returned back to our dorm and had a pretty emotional meeting about what we had all experienced and the stories we heard. Most of these kids are orphans of the war and their parents were killed. I am sure your daughters will tell you a lot more about these experiences... very hard to swallow. I think "where much is given, much is required" has a whole new meaning to all of us. For a long time we discussed how incredibly lucky we all are.

We then went to bed, and now the girls are holding a soccer tournament all day. They are mixing all of the teams so we are playing alongside the Ugandan girls.

We decided to not stay at Laroo tonight and tomorrow night. We were such a novelty that many girls wanted to be in our dormitory spending time with us day and night. We moved to a hotel in town, and will just bus into the school tomorrow. We feel a lot more comfortable this way.

A few girls have had the runs, a few a bit homesick, a few a little nauseous, but all having a great time and happy.

They wanted me to send off some "shout-outs":

Jordan: Happy Birthday Gage!!

Aya: Goodluck Mika on Provo Pageant!!

Sarah and Emily: Thank you for birthing me!

Sarah: Camera not working

Alex: Calls out to her people

Chanel: Goodnight, encowfanjou, I love you sweet and teams

Emily: Prepare my backrub

Kathy: I have seen gazells in two countries

Anne: Schedule me a spa day; and grace, write me on the schedule at RCC

Hannah and Jackie: Dudes...

Until next time!!

Jackie

Update from Gulu

2009-06-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I seperated from the group just a bit to get an email out and let you know all is well on our side!

Tuesday we drove to Murchison falls.... it was a pretty long, bumpy, and exhausting ride. We left at 6am and arrived at Murchison falls at around 2pm. We took a three and half hour boat ride on the Nile towards the falls, and saw hippos, crocs, incredible birds and elephants along the way. We reached Murchison falls, got off the boat and took a bunch of pictures, then turned around and came back. It was a nice break for the girls. We then checked into our hotel, Paraa Lodge, and relaxed and ate dinner.

Today the girls woke up and went on a two and half hour safari and saw warthogs, giraffes, water buffalo, more elephants, and tons of monkeys (and more). We then had a late breakfast, and headed off to Gulu. Driving to Gulu was pretty eye opening for the girls. We passed a few IDP (internally displaced persons) camps (refugee camps basically) along the way, while our busdriver Loban narrated for us. He told us which camps were most affected by the LRA and what happened. The girls had tons of questions. On the bus ride, we also nailed down a more detailed outline of what we are going to talk about at the "goal-setting" assembly tomorrow at Laroo.

When we arrived in Gulu, we checked into the hotel, while I went to Laroo to make sure everything was taken care of there. Laroo is an incredible school. About 50% of the school are orphans, and all affected by the war. Not all of the kids there are formerly abducted....some of them are children of the abducted. It is a primary school, but holds ages 6-18 because some of the kids had been out of school for a really long time. The school has signs all over it like "Jesus loves you more than you will ever know", and "always keep hope", etc. The school is very nice. When I arrived, I met many of the girls that are SOOO excited to meet our girls. They were putting curtains in our dormitory when I got there. I checked out the meeting hall to make sure the projector will do ok there and to become familiar with the set-up. The set up is all perfect. They have a separate block for us to use the pit latrines, and wash-up.

The girls right now are checking out the market with some of the employees of the Kids League, and I am running last minute errands. They are then spending the night at Acholi Inn... and then we are going to Laroo tomorrow morning. We will arrive at 9:30, and the assembly is at 11. The girls have been working hard on it... so pray that all goes well and they will be able to understand our message. We will have a interpreter with us.

This town is loaded with non profit organizations all trying to help here. It is a very educational experience for these girls.

We are spending Friday, Saturday, and SUnday night at Laroo. I will try my hardest to break away and email you all an update so you know all is well.

Thanks!

Jackie

Day #5

2009-06-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All-

Today was awesome. We left the hotel this morning at 7am, and I had the girls visit two of my favorite places in Uganda. They have experienced urban poverty, but haven't seen village life. They have visited well-funded orphan homes, but haven't been able to see what an orphan home is like that isn't sponsored that is in the middle of nowhere.

So.... I took them to an orphan home that belongs to my friends Rose and Paul. It was about a 45 minute drive on a horrible road where people rarely see white people. The kids were all dancing while waiting for us. My group had built a bunch of gardens at this school last year so it was so neat to see the progress and to show the girls. This home had 26 kids, and no sponsors. They can't afford the transportation or the costs of receiving medical care. Some of the kids are HIV positive, and it is a real struggle for them to put the children in schools. They were SOOOO excited to see us. We went into their gardens and helped pick beans, fetched water with the children at the well, and played with the children. As a team, we decided we wanted to donate $585 of our project funds to this orphan home. They were SOOOO sooo grateful. I loved watching our girls be able to give so much with the hard earned money they raised through all the tedious fundraising we did. Such a great feeling. Money goes a long way in Uganda. It will impact this home for the entire next year.

We then headed to the town I lived in last summer, Lugazi. We went to an orphan home called Hope orphan home. This home has about 49 kids, including two albino girls that were abandoned in Northern Uganda. We helped them with various chores, and they fed us chapati (like a cafe rio style tortilla) and beans, which we ate with our hands. We also presented this orphan home with about $425.

I don't think I have included this, but we have also spent our project funds sponsoring a little boy we met the first day for a years worth of school, helping a little baby get medical treatment including a feeding tube at the babies home, and after today, donating a significant amount to two orphan homes. What a great use of our money. We have about $4,000 left, and it is fun to discuss what we want to do next.

We then headed to Lugazi town for a soccer match.... we were all BEAT, and weren't really ready for what was waiting for us: a team all uniformed up with a stadium full of people. We arrived late, but quickly got ready to play, and this team put up a pretty good fight. We had more people at this game than any of our high school games. TONS of people. It was really fun.

We then drove back to Kampala, packed up for our trip tomorrow for Northern Uganda. We leave at 6am, and will be going to Murchison Falls for a boat ride safari and then the next day a land-cruiser safari. Then we travel to Gulu, and have our three night sleepover at Laroo boarding school for formerly abducted children.

On a sadder note, the girls did all hear about the passing away of their classmate. Their hearts go out to her family, and they wish they could be of some comfort at this challenging time. They are taking it ok, but it is pretty hard to swallow, especially when you are across the world.

Thank you for letting your girls come here. I love watching them interact with the people, and seeing them respond to what they are experiencing. I can't wait for you all to hear their stories.

Hope all is well.

Jackie

Day #4

2009-06-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It feels like we have been here for over a week by now. It is late and I am exhausted, but wanted to update you all real quick. Here is the lowdown on today:

Woke up and had a really good breakfast, then jumped on the bus to a Primary school in Jinja. This school was pretty well funded, but still most of the 1,000 students had no shoes, and ripped uniforms. When we first got there, we assigned the girls in pairs to visit one of the seven grade levels and to watch a regular school lesson. They learned a lot. Then all 1,000 students came to the field and played with us...and it was complete chaos turned really fun. Each pair (some girls had to fend for themselves alone) manhandled around 50 little kids each, and we led them in all sorts of silly American games and song. The younger girls got placed with the younger kids (which was by far the hardest group because they didn't speak English. I was so proud of them... they weren't quite sure what to do, but figured it out and did great. After, we played soccer with a group of about 22 P7 Girls (prob 13-15), while the rest of the student body watched (TONS OF KIDS) and gave our presentation of what we are all about, and the importance of goal setting in life, and we handed over the "every girl should have a goal" bracelets. The girls are now doing the presenting rather than me or Suzy, which is SO fun to watch. We then sung to the whole student body "I love you like a mango"...a song Dani (member of the film crew) taught us on her ukelele. So fun.

Then we headed over to a secondary school called BMM Secondary. It is an all girls high school. They organized a group of girls to play us on their field, and we had a lot of fun playing...then presented them with a full set of uniforms (donated by US Passback program) and our goodbye "message" we are leaving at every school we go to. THEN.... we just let girls be girls. A HUGE group of the Ugandan girls gathered around some of our girls and they began to sing and dance, and had a circle where girls would go in the middle and "break it down". It was SO fun to watch. There were just tons of them. No matter where you go in the world, high school girls are the same. They were immediate friends.

We then went into Jinja town for lunch and a little craft shopping. We tried to teach the girls some bartering skills... they have some working to do on that. :)

After Jinja town, we headed over to Wanyange (all girls) Secondary School, which was on a big hill overlooking Lake Victoria. It was gorgeous. The field was ....well... a cow pasture with cow patties, termite hills, and a huge mound of dirt in the middle. But, that did not stop us from having a really intense game. This field was fenced off, and the rest of the student body gathered around the fences to watch us. They were SOOOO loud. Everytime anyone did a sweet move, or a good save, or fell on their faces, or made a goal...they went wild. It was SO fun. This was a higher end school, but still half the girls don't have shoes to play in. One girl cut her toe up really badly, but Mrs. Boshard came to her rescue and helped clean her up. After, we gave our "message" presentation again, handed over a set of uniforms donated by New Mexico Highlands University, and then invited ALL the girls in the student body to join us on the field. We wanted to sing/dance with them again... so the girls did:)

We then stopped by the "source of the Nile" on the way home and took a quick boat ride to where Lake Victoria ends and the White Nile begins. It was really quite beautiful. Then we came home and ate, had our nightly meeting, and everyone is now passed out.

I don't think we have a girl with us that isn't having an incredible time. We love watching them interact with the kids here. They are loving it.. things are going great. We are taking the girls to 2 orphan homes tomorrow that I worked at last summer...and giving them a taste of "my life" in Africa. I can't wait.

Have a great day!

Day #3

2009-06-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents and Friends!
Here is the update on day #3 in Uganda. I don't think we will have internet access starting Wednesday for around 5 days for when we go up North....so just be aware of that:) You can still try to call though. I know Suzy's husband, Mr. Sudweeks, and Mr. Bramble got through... not sure about anyone else, so keep trying.

Things are going great on this side. We had a very low-key day, but still had some really neat experiences. We woke up and had to move all of our stuff (which is a LOT of stuff) to a storage unit, ate breakfast, and then took the bus to Kampala. We had a few neat experiences here. The girls had a lot of realizations and new outlooks on things after spending the day in Kampala. Then we loaded the bus and traveled to Jinja. Trevor Dudley (the director of the Kids League) joined us for the bus ride and sat right in the middle of the girls. He has such a desire to get to know the girls better, and wanted to just sit and chat with them on the hour and half long bus ride. The girls loved talking with him and hearing his stories. Then Dani (from the film crew) broke out her ukelele and she taught us some songs. During the drive, the girls got to witness the poverty that exists outside the urban setting.

We arrived at our hotel right on the Nile and the girls spent the day relaxing, and taking a deep breath before a busy week. It is BEAUTIFUL here...the hotel overlooks the river, and the sunset this evening was incredible. It is also a full moon. We had an incredible dinner, and then had our nightly meeting going over different things, and everyone shared their "highlight of the day" (a little tradition we made). I wish you all could be here for these discussions. You have amazing girls. One of the girls said in her thought that "it is hard to understand it all".... why we have been blessed with so much and why they have nothing. We then had a little discussion on that "why", which is something they will probably continue to ask themselves for a long time.

The girls are all healthy and doing great.

That is all for now. Until next time....

Day #2

2009-06-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone--

Wow...where to start!!! Well how about the phone situation. Mitzi told me that you all have been trying to get through by phone, but its not working. We have received some calls that we can tell are from the US, but they are dropping them. Keep trying. Uganda is funny...sometimes you can get through, sometimes the lines/connection is all messed up. So sorry you have not been able to reach us.

Today was an absolutely incredible day. After every place we take them, they keep saying "can we please go back there?!!"...but then say the same thing every time. Here is the rundown:

Everyone seemed to sleep really well (except for me!), and felt great this morning. We woke up at about 7:30, ate breakfast at Red Chilli (the place we are staying at), and then loaded our big bus and headed to Ssanyu babies home. This was quite the experience for the girls. This home is for abandoned babies.... some of which were left in garbage dumpsters, some their mothers left them at the hospital, some are left on the front porch, and others abandoned on the streets. Its a home for newborns all the way up until age 4. We were welcomed by the workers there, and it was immunization day so we were really able to help them with the babies. Most of these babies are left in their cribs, crave touch and attention. We held the babies while getting them immunized, and just played with them for a few hours. Some of these kids have feeding tubes, sickle cell anemia, starving, etc. It was quite a lot to handle for all of us. In those short hours, the girls grew to really love those babies. When it was time to leave, we had to put the babies back into cribs, or on the ground and they all started to cry. It wasn't easy for the girls to walk away from that. I don't think there was a dry eye among us. A few of the girls donated money from their own pockets to help get feeding tubes to some of the starving babies. Moved me to tears. You all have some incredible girls. It was so neat watching them with the babies...there hasn't been one girl that has seemed uncomfortable or not involved.

After the babies home, we went to ANga Khan school where The Kids League (our host) invited us to see some of their adaptive basketball games. The Kids League has won numerous awards for how they have been able to include disabled children into sports. It is a phenomenal thing to watch. There with kids that were severly deformed, deaf, no limbs, down syndrome, etc. etc. But boy could they play. After visiting for a while wiht the children, the five basketball girls with us joined wiht a disabled team and played a game. It was neat to watch. THEN, we were invited behind the school where a disabled soccer team challenged us to a game. We were wanting to mix the players, but they said they didn't want to mix with us and that they wanted to play against us. Our whole thought was.... uhh.... we gotta go really easy. I wish you all could have been there to see this game. It was the most amazing thing you will ever see. THere was a little boy who had no legs, but could walk on his hands, and he was allowed to use hands to play... UM.... he scored on us twice, and I promise you the girls were trying hard. The ended up beating us 4-1. Sure, we wanted them to score a couple times, but at the end, they legitimately beat us. We got it on film... :) Also, the #1 sports photographer in Uganda was invited to watch this matched and photographed the whole thing. We were told that it is going to be in Uganda's leading news paper next week. The girls were pretty excited about that.

After our game, we went to Salvation Army for disabled children. This home is very well sponsored, but has many disabled orphans. It was a very joyful place to be. Kimmy brought cute little head bands with flowers, so we gave all of the girls headbands and the boys our blue rubber bracelets. They were so grateul. We also left them with a signed picture of our team.

We then went to Katanga, the worst slum in Kampala. There are a few girls teams that arrived in the slum at 7:30 that morning waiting for us because they were so excited. We first divided the girls into 5 groups, and assigned the UGandan girls to a group. Our girls ran a few drills with them, and then we played....and drew quite the crowd. We were all wearing Calle shirts and put the UGandan girls into Calle shirts (we had to get a bunch of video for Calle for donating so much), and we had such a fun game. Some of the girls were really good. Whenever our girls did some cool moves, the crowd went wild, and when the UGandan girls scored against us... they went even more crazy. It was so neat to watch. We got a big group picture with them afterwards, and talked to them about the importance of always having a goal in life, and to never forget that message. They seemed to receive it well.

THEN... (as if the day hasn't been long enough yet).... we went back to Red CHilli, and put together 500 education/sanitation packets to bring to Gulu with us next week to a refugee camp. Now the girls are eating, and getting ready to leave for Jinja tomorrow.

I have been so incredibly impressed with your girls. THey are diving in at each place we go to, and seem to be having so much fun. I think seeing the amount of poverty here has shook them a bit, but, as one of the girls discussed wiht me today "we want to change... and feeling those intense emotions of helplessness and desire to help is all part of the refinement process."

THe documentary team has gotten incredible footage. We are so glad they are with us.

Also, a few girls have "the runs' but other than that, everyone is happy and healthy, and love being here.

Tomorrow we are going to a branch in Kampala, and then traveling to Jinja (about an hour and half away). SHould be a more relaxing day.

Hope all is well in the states!

First Day in Uganda from Jackie

2009-06-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hi All!!
We have arrived in Uganda, and are all set. NO ONE lost their
luggage.... seriously a miracle. We were so excited about that.
Sarah and Emily met with us in Kenya, and we had no problems there.
We took the flight over Lake Victoria into Entebbe airport, and I
think a lot of the girls were surprised with the beauty of Uganda.
Suzy, the film crew, and Trevor Dudley met us at the airport and we
loaded the girls in a bus, and the luggage in two vans, and headed to
Kampala to check into our guest house called Red Chilli. The ride to
Kampala took a lot longer than it should of... traffic is horrible
here, but it gave the girls a good amount of time to see urban life in
Uganda. We arrived at the guest house, and they weren't ready for us
quite yet (surprise surprise in Uganda), and so we sat in the lounge,
got lunch, and then loaded all of our luggage into the dormitory. All
21 of us are in bunkbeds in the dormitory. It is crowded, but fun. I
keep telling them that they have a really nice place tomorrow night to
stay so they just stay focused on that:) There are a few monkeys at
the guess house, and they were introduced to our gecko roomates as
well. They are being such good sports, and everyone is doing well.
After we showered and ate and took a quick power nap, we went to a
village called Birra where David Ssenjinja has an orphan school (he is
a Ugandan now living in Utah..the girls met him when they met the
ambassador at UVU). THe children here put on song and dance for us,
and moved a lot of us to tears. They pulled the girls up during hte
performance and tried to make them dance with them. THey had a ton of
fun. We then decided to sing back to them, and after Suzy spoke for a
short bit. It was pretty incredible. We
presented them with 3 soccer balls, and from our project funds are
funding a young orphan girl to go to school for a year. Really cool.
After the performance, we went outside and played soccer with them and
other games. THe girls LOVED it, and are wanting to go back there.

The girls just woke up and we are going to eat breakfast, then head
over to Nsambya babies home, have lunch with the Kids League, then
head over to a Salvation ARmy home for disabled kids, and then play
soccer in the slum with street kids.

ALL IS WELL!!!! They are loving it here.

More to come....

Press from the Ugandan Side

2009-06-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

‘Goals for Girls’ to visit Uganda

Sports

Written by sports desk

Wednesday, 03 June 2009 16:00

Sixteen girls and 4 officials from USA will be arriving this weekend as guests of The Kids League (TKL) to help promote girls football in Uganda.

The girls aged 14 -19 fromUtah, will conduct training sessions and play games in Kampala, Jinja, Lugazi and Gulu during their 12 day stay. They will hand over equipment to children in IDP camps in northern Uganda.
TKL Country Director, Trevor Dudley says: “We want to show this group what a wonderful country Uganda is and let them see at first hand the challenges facing girls playing sport in Uganda. We hope that they will inspire more women to get involved in football,” he explained.

2009-06-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Meet Moe, Anne, and Alex. Best friends since first grade. Who would have thought they would have a chance to travel to Africa together at age 16. They are thrilled with the chance to meet new friends and play soccer with Ugandan girls who will soon be their new best friends too. Africa will never be the same and neither will the G4G girls. Mark Twain is credited with saying, "Travel is fatal to prejudice." Would that we could all be on this adventure. We'll just have to soak it up from the sidelines and hope a little of the red African dirt rubs off on all of us upon their return.

2009-06-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

And They're Off

2009-06-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

The Goals 4 Girls Uganda team left Salt Lake City this morning! All went well (with the exception of a need for a 24-hour notary) No bags were overweight -- despite donated balls and cleats and jerseys being packed in every nook and cranny -- and it looked like plenty of snacks were stuffed in backpacks for the two day trip to Africa. Jackie and Suzy have been amazing as have all the friends, family, and other donors that came together to make this unbelievable experience possible. Now we're left to watch for news from across the world so keep us up to date G4G Team :)

US Soccer Foundation and Passback Program

2009-05-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Through it's Passback Program, US Soccer Foundation donated several hundred uniforms, cleats, and other soccer equipment for us to take to Uganda. Today we went through all of the equipment and organized it into 50 lb. bags so we can each bring a bag with us. These are really nice uniforms and cleats, and will get a lot of use in Uganda. THANK YOU U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION!!

Moe taking inventory

Sarah trying to make sure the bags are the perfect weight

Cleaning up!

Jackie Skinner

2009-05-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

We leave in one week to Africa, and figured its about time I post on here (especially after nagging my girls for so long about their posts:).

My name is Jackie Skinner, and I am one of the two co-directors (along with Suzy Gillies) of the Goals for Girls 2009 Uganda Project. I have been working on this project for over ten months now, and can't believe we are about to leave. It has been such an incredible experience preparing, planning, and raising the funds in order to make this trip a reality. It has been a TON of work, and I am so excited to get out there and implement all that we have been working on.

A little about me: I grew up in Northern Virginia where soccer was always a huge part of my life..well... it was my life. I played for various WAGS club teams as well as ODP and high school ball. I am the second oldest of five kids, and my youngest sister Hannah will be joining us for this project. In 2002, after deciding against playing soccer in college, I moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University where I majored in Social Science Teaching and minored in International Development. After my freshman year of college, I traveled to Uganda for four months with BYU professors to do research on Uganda's education system. While I was there, I began to realize all of the complexities and obstacles associated with girls receiving an education...in particular a secondary education. Nearing the end of my research trip, I split from my team and did my own research project entitled "The struggles girls face in secondary education relating to academic performance and achievement." After leaving Uganda that summer, I was hooked on Africa and the country of Uganda.

While at BYU, I coached a U-13 club soccer team, then was asked to coach Timpview High School's JV girls soccer team. I graduated BYU, and then was offered to teach World Geography and coach the varsity girls soccer team at Timpview. I took the positions and had a crazy but good experience. Coaching the varsity team as a first year teacher and being so young... I about died, but learned a lot and grew so close with the soccer girls. During that year, I applied to be a Country Director for HELP International's operations in Uganda for the summer. I was hired, and was off to Uganda again for another four months. I led a team of 29 university students from all over the USA and Canada in creating self-sustaining projects in the town of Lugazi, Uganda. Before I left for this adventure, I met Suzy Gillies who told me about a soccer league in Uganda that I had to visit. She told me that they had a dream of bringing an American girls soccer team to Uganda...something that has never been done in the history of East Africa.
While living in Lugazi, I met with Ann and Trevor Dudley (the British couple that direct the Kids League) and toured many soccer sites, tournaments, and met many different teams. I was so incredibly impressed with this league. Their focus has been to use soccer as a tool to unite children of different tribes, to help reintegrate formerly abducted children back into life, to educate children about HIV and other important topics, to unite communities through the game, etc. etc. I had so much fun meeting some of these teams and playing with them. They talked to me a great deal of the impact they thought bringing a US girls team to Uganda would make, and I decided this was something I was extremely interested in making happen.

I returned back to Utah, mentioned the idea to my soccer girls at Timpview and they went WILD about the idea. They told me they would do anything it would take to make it a reality and to get me and Suzy to go through with it. I called Suzy, and we actually decided it would be way too much work and voted against it, and then a day later we couldn't shake the opportunity and decided we just had to! So... Goals for Girls 2009 Uganda was born!!!

I am so proud of the 16 girls coming with us. I know each of them very well, and think the world of every single one of them. They are SUCH a unique group. I have never been around a group of high school kids that all had such a deep desire to work hard and do good things in their lives. I have coached some of them for 5 years now, and can't say enough about their character and sincere desire to help people. I have watched in awe for the past ten months as I have seen them work their little hearts out trying to come up with the money it is taking to make this trip happen. They are incredible girls, and great examples on and off the field. I feel priveledged to work with them, and grateful for this opportunity we have to travel to Uganda together to make our statement.... that "Every Girl Should Have a Goal!"

This picture was taken in Katanga slum, one of the places the G4G team will visit. I never really paid that close of attention to this picture, but had a friend point out what it is showing... if you look closely, no one is paying attention to the crazy girl (me) balancing a soccer ball on her head... except for the young girl right below me that is looking up at me. With my experience working with young girls in Uganda, I just feel like this picture is classic.

THANK YOU FARMERS INSURANCE!!!

2009-05-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Lloyd Durden came to our soccer clinic and presented us a check for $900 on behalf of Farmers Insurance to go towards our project funds and in-country donation. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

ARTICLE IN THE DAILY HERALD

2009-05-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Check out an article written about our project in the Daily Herald!!!

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/309085/140/

SPRING SOCCER CLINIC

2009-05-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had our last big fundraiser before we leave! We had a Spring Soccer Clinic for youth around our community ages 5-13. We had the Goals for Girls team as the coaches, and then several BYU Women's soccer players came as guest trainers. This clinic served two purposes.... first, to give the Goals for Girls team an opportunity to run a soccer clinic before they run a similiar one in Gulu, Uganda. And secondly, to raise money for our "in-country donation". We had a great turn out and were able to raise some good money! Thanks to everyone that came to support us!!!

Here are some pictures from our day.... ENJOY!

Emily being interviewed by KSL news station.

Kelsey

Anne Sudweeks and Susan Bramble...two of our chaperones!

Jen and Suzy

Laura and all her fans

Jen

CUTE

Chanel working the keepers

Emily and the little ones...

Jordan and her little fan

Goals for Girls Retreat in Sundance

2009-05-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

We had our Goals for Girls Retreat last weekend at a cabin in Sundance. Suzy flew down, and Hannah drove up for the weekend. We had a blast! We had all sorts of teambuilding games, a yummy dinner, prepared for the clinic, went over a bajillion logistical details, cultural norms, talked more about the assembly we are preparing for at Laroo Boarding School, and then had a really good discussion before we went to bed. It was a really fun overnighter!

Laura Sudweeks designed our shirts....

"Hi Aya!!"

SPRING SOCCER CLINIC

2009-05-11T20:55:00.001-07:00

SPRING SOCCER CLINIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What: Three-hour Soccer Clinic
Who: Boys and Girls from Kindergarten to 13 years
When: Saturday, May 16th 3-6:00pm
Where: Timpview High School’s lower soccer fields and turf stadium (Address: 3570 Timpview Dr., Provo, UT 84604)
Cost: $25.00 per player. Please make checks payable to Timpview Girls Soccer, and write “Soccer Clinic” on the memo line.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM Here

Goals for Girls Benefit Luau

2009-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
We had our Goals for Girls Benefit Luau and silent auctino last week and raised close to $3,000.....not too bad! We had a ton of items that were donated to auction off, had really yummy food, learned and performed a Hula, and one of our old teamates, Elena Bohnet and her dancing crew performed! Bobby Kauo ran the show, and we couldn't have been more grateful. Thank you for all that attended and continue to support us! Below are pictures and video from our Luau.

HULA PRACTICE WITH ELENA....

Haa.... above are the MVP's of the Hula.... ;)

We are about three and a half weeks away from departure, and have one fundraiser left!! This Thursday we have our safety and security training by HELP International, and then Friday we have our retreat...and then Saturday we have our Spring Soccer Clinic!

STAY TUNED!!!!!!

Anne Sudweeks

2009-05-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Anne Sudweeks and I am the mother of Laura on the team. I am going along as a chaperone and soccer mom. I am a mother of seven children--all boys except for six. Yep - thats right, I have six daughters. Three of them have played soccer for Timpview and the forth daughter will be a freshman Fall of 2009. I have been watching my girls play soccer for the last 15 years. I love the game. I am also excited about going to Uganda and helping children of Africa realize how important goals can be in their lives.

I have enjoyed getting to know the girls on the Timpview Soccer team and have great respect for them. They play hard and work even harder. Going to Africa will change all of our lives. The Timpview girls will be changed and so will the girls in Uganda. I hope we can make a great impact while we are there and have lasting impressions on these girls--impressions that we all can do great things with our lives.

I want all to know that we are children of God and have great potential. We all have a Heavenly Father who loves us and we have great value.

I am excited to go and support these Timpview girls in their efforts. I am so glad I get to be a part of it. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity. Anne Sudweeks ( soccer mom)

The Rescue: Salt Lake City

2009-05-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Kelsey, Kendal and i all went to the Invisible Children event, The Rescue. Over a thousand people gathered last Saturday to stage an abduction. We all walked about 17 blocks, holding on to ropes then camped out at the Galvin Center. Until we were "rescued" by Senator Bennet.

It was amazing to see all those people come out (despite the rain and the freezing cold weather) to raise awareness about the situation in Uganda.

You may want to speed up the movie.. there are a lot of people!

We met a lady that went to Uganda last summer. She had been to the Laroo Boarding School! The school that we will be sleeping over at and giving a seminar to the kids living there. She had some pictures with her, this is a picture of the school!

Invisible Children's The Rescue of Joseph Kony's Child Soldiers

2009-04-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my son Benson and I went to Invisible Children's The Rescue event in Seattle. We volunteered for the event and helped with registration and set up so we were there a very long time and were pretty tired by the time we roled into bed at 11:00. We started out "abducting" ourselves at Denny Park and then we attached ourselves to rope and walked around Seattle until we reached Myrtle Park or the "LRA" camp. The rope signified the way the LRA ties children to ropes and marches them in a line to prevent escape. We then sat at the makeshift camp for a very long time until we were rescued. Senator Patty Murray and Jim McDermott were the people who rescued us. Along with all of the attendees, Benson and I wrote letters to our government leaders. All of the locations (100 cities) did the same thing. All of the letters will be delivered to the Senate and Congress on a lobby day IC is holding next month. If you attended the SLC event, please post and share your experience too!

Assembly Planning Evening!!

2009-04-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Thursday night we had dinner and a meeting at the Murray's house, and made some good progress! We planned the assembly we will be having at Laroo Primary School for formerly abducted children. We all finished the book we read together as a team ("Girl Soldier") and had a great discussion. We are going to be focusing the assembly on the importance of goalsetting, and how to make "SMART goals". We are really excited about what we came up with, and can't wait to get there.

We also received our Goals for Girls Uganda handbook! Packing list and all!

We ordered 1,000 rubber bracelets that say "Every Girl Should Have a Goal" and "TKL-G4G" on them. We are planning on giving these to any girls we work with on our trip.

On Friday, Kathy and Jackie went to Mapleton for HC Storm soccer club's community soccer evening. They went to try to register kids for our soccer clinic and tell more people about our project!
STAY TUNED!!

GARAGE SALE! round two...

2009-04-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Hello this is Anne and Alex here. We just completed a yard sale for our personal funds, and it was crazy! Thanks to our neighbors generosity we had TONS of stuff! It was lotsss of work -- but definitely worth it:)

SPRING SOCCER CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM

2009-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Click here to download Registration Form.

SOCCER CLINIC!!!!!!

2009-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Goals for Girls is hosting a Spring Soccer Clinic!!!!
Presented By:
Timpview High School’s Girls Soccer Team
and BYU’s Men’s and Women’s Soccer Players
Sponsored by Utah Youth Soccer Association

***The following is information from the registration form***:

What: Three-hour Soccer Clinic
Who: Boys and Girls Ages 5-13
When: Saturday, May 16th 3-6:00pm
Where: Timpview High School’s lower soccer fields and turf stadium (Address: 3570 Timpview Dr., Provo, UT 84604)
Cost: $25.00 if registration forms received by May 12th; 35$ for late registration and walk-ins. Please make checks payable to HELP International, and write “Soccer Clinic” on the memo line
Also: Concession snacks will be available after the clinic and during the game. All proceeds will benefit the Timpview Goals for Girls project in Uganda this summer.

In June of this year 16 soccer players from Timpview High School will embark on a journey of a lifetime to Uganda, Africa. Our project is called Goals for Girls (G4G) and we are the first girls soccer team in history to visit East Africa. Our mission is to promote health and education through the beautiful game of soccer to girls in Africa. G4G stresses the importance of goal setting and attainment in relation to overcoming harsh experiences and challenges. Children in Northern Uganda have endured a 20-year war which has left many young children as victims. Many of the girls that we will be working with have experienced traumatic events, including abduction and rape. Timpview Girls Soccer team will be conducting a soccer clinic outside of refugee camps in Uganda, and this soccer clinic is a fundraiser for our project as well as an opportunity for the American girls to run a clinic before arriving in Africa. After the clinic you are invited to join us for snacks and a project presentation, as well as an exhibition game featuring the Timpview Goals for Girls Team. For more information on our trip, check us out at http://www.goalsforgirls.org/ or www.goalsforgirls.blogspot.com.

The coaches will be assisted by the 16 members of the Goals for Girls Uganda team, as well as several current and former BYU women’s and men’s soccer players.
If you have any questions or for an actual registration form, please contact us at Goalsforgirls@help-international.org

This clinic is supported by: UTAH YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION, and....

Fundraising CRAZINESS!!!

2009-04-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!! We wanted to update you all on our fundraising madness, which is the latest for G4G. We leave in less than 2 months, and have a lot of money left to raise to make this project possible. We have a ton of events planned as a team as well as individually. Some of these individual events players are planning include: car washes, yard sales, selling water bottle's at a well-attended Women's Conference at BYU, babysitting, cleaning, selling items at high school sports events, selling suckers at the school during lunch, selling candy in classroomes, etc. etc. etc.

As a team, we are currently planning a HUGE benefit Luau on May 6, putting donation jars in every THS classroom, planning a huge community soccer clinic for May 16, selling items at local community soccer events/games, working at McDonalds on May 9th, etc. etc.
We are having a contest at our school to see which class can raise the most money for an "in-country donation". These are the cups we made to put in each of the classrooms!

Putting the "fun" in fundraising.... well trying to at least:)

Baby Legs Makes Incredible Donation! (by Suzy)

2009-04-01T17:23:00.001-07:00

What are Baby Legs? They are not socks, but nifty little warmers you can wear on your arms or legs. Old and young are found wearing Baby Legs.........they are the hot thing for babies and adults alike. Baby Legs has generously donated 320 pair of Baby Legs for G4G to take to Africa. We now have many beautiful designs to take with us! In the US, Baby Legs are a fashion statement............and although cute, they serve a duel purpose for the girls we will be giving them to in Uganda. Not only will they serve as warmers in the evening, but they will also protect from Mosquitoes which carry malaria.

You can wear Baby Legs on your legs, but also on your arms. Here are some pictures of me, my kids and a few models showing you just how cute they are!

Baby Legs has also donated 2 gift sets to use at our auction. Both sets usually retail for around $30 and include 3 pair.

Here is the stash! The 320 pair donation would sell for over $3,000!

Susan Bramble

2009-03-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

My name is Susan Bramble. I was born and raised in Provo, married Curtis, from Chicago, have 6 great children and 5 grand children. I love being a mom and grandmother. I spend a lot of time watching soccer, basketball, football, softball and baseball games because my children participate in them. We also enjoy the dance recitals and plays. My husband and I travel extensively for his work and for fun. So far, one of my favorite places to visit is Italy. I enjoyed the history and the beautiful countryside in Umbria and Tuscany. Each quaint town had its own unique stories and folklore. Africa is a continent I have yet to visit. I am excited to be able to go and be a part of this exciting program that will play such a significant role in so many lives. I am sure that my life will be changed for the better because of our opportunity to share some of our talents with young ladies in Uganda.

Hobbies: Scuba Diving, Hot Air Ballooning, reading, sewing, running, waterskiing, snow skiing, grandchildren and children.

My favorite place to scuba dive is the Islands of Figi. Their coral beds and lava caves are the most beautiful and well preserved sites that I have had a chance to dive. We have flown our balloon all over the country but Provo is still one of my favorite places to fly. With the mountains all around us, the landscape is still some of the prettiest. I enjoy reading everything from Harry Potter to autobiographies. I have just taken up running with my 3rd daughter Mindy. I really enjoy running because it makes me feel good. We spend several weeks of the summer at Lake Powell because we all enjoy the water and water sports. Finally, I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. They are what makes like worth living.

Kimmy Bramble

2009-03-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys my name is Kimmy Bramble! I am the 5th of 6 kids in my family and live in Provo, Utah born and raised. I have played soccer since I was 4 years old and have played about every position on the field including goalie, but my favorite is center midfielder. I love all sports and I also played basketball and softball on the high school varsity team since I was a freshman. My favorite thing besides being competitive on the field is to sing! I love music and was Cosette in the musical Les Miserables this summer and it was one of the funnest things I have ever done. I played basketball since I was in 3rd grade and always looked up to my older sister Mindy who played for Timpview and I wanted to be just like her, pointgurad and all; we even were both #10 in soccer and basketball. I've played softball since I was in 3rd grade and started on an accerated team when I was in 5th grade. I am going to Snow Junior College this fall to play softball and I am so excited for that opportunity. After I complete my two years at Snow I am planning to further my education at BYU and become an accountant/lawyer and someday hope to be involved in politics just like my daddy( He is a senator in the Utah legislator). After I conquer the world like I plan to haha, I want to settle down and get married and have 8 children.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to go to Africa and really show girls that we as women can be successful. I have been taught to believe that I can do anything that I want to do in my life as long as I am determined. Like my favorite quote states, "Inspiration, hard work, and determination: this is what makes me the best in anything and everything I do." I want to help relay these qualities to the girls in Uganda and show them the true meaning of "Girl Power"!

Anne Collins

2009-03-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Anne Collins and I am the latest addition to the Goals for Girls Ugandan-bound team, I was notified just recently that I am lucky enough to join the ranks. I am a sophomore at Timpview High School, and along with every other girl on this trip, I love soccer. I play outside midfield/forward, and there’s no better feeling than making a perfect pass or shooting the perfect goal. My life when I'm not playing soccer consists of skiing all winter, swimming, play tennis with my friends, hanging out with my grandma, traveling with whoever will let me tag along, and listening to music. In school, History and English are my forte’s, while math and chemistry on the other hand…

I have a great family: parents who keep me headed in the right direction and support me in everything I do, an older brother who keeps things interesting, an older sister that sets a great example, me, and then a hilarious little brother that keeps us all laughing. I love to have fun and meet new people, I love being able to talk and teach, and the best feeling in the world is when I am able to help others. This is all why I cannot wait to get to Uganda.

This is not just a trip around the globe with my amazing team, but an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the world. “Goals for Girls” is a phenomenal motto that I definitely believe in. And if I can help get this message across to the girls we’ll be playing soccer with? Mission accomplished.

When people ask me what this is really about, or what I expect to get out of this trip, I answer them with this. The girls in Uganda have gone through and endure daily so much more than I can fathom. By going on this trip to Uganda and meeting with these girls, I can inspire hope in the lives of children who more than deserve it. I have the opportunity to renew ambition, optimism, and determination. I know that this will be a life changing experience for me as well. The fundraising and preparation is time-consuming and a lot of work, but I know it will be worth it.

I have a goal to make a difference. What’s yours? I can’t wait to reach this goal and get to Uganda. Thank you everyone, those who have helped me, and all those who have helped turn this entire trip from a dream into a reality.

Laroo Primary School

2009-03-29T20:07:00.001-07:00

As we have posted before, as a team we are reading a book called "Girl Soldier" to research what has happened to some of the girls we will be working with in Gulu. One of the incredible opportunities that the Kids League (our host) is setting up for us is spending some time at Laroo Primary School for formerly abducted children. We may be having a sleepover with the girls here in their dormitory. This week, they sent us pictures of the school, dormitory, and some of the girls we will meet when we get there. Below are the pictures. We are soooooo excited to get there and meet them.
This is the Laroo Primary School...it is only a couple years old and was built by BelgiumA few of the girls we will be meeting!!! So excited!

The dormitory...

This is a sign outside of Laroo Primary School....signs like these are very common in many primary and secondary schools throughout the country.

CALLE joins G4G!!

2009-03-26T21:13:00.001-07:00

CALLE is now an official sponsor of Goals for Girls Uganda! We are grateful for their support and for their huge contribution to our project. They have donated a large amount of supplies that we will be using at different events in Uganda as well as the soccer clinic we will be holding in Gulu. CALLE promotes street soccer around the world and we are excited for them to join us in spreading our message that "every girl should have a goal."

Maranda Christiansen

2009-03-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Moe (Maranda) Christiansen. I am currently a sophomore, dual-enrolled at Timpview and Provo High Schools. I like lots of things, but three of my greatest interests right now are soccer, Africa and humanitarian service. I feel so luck to have the chance to combine all three of these in one amazing event!

I have always loved soccer from my early first grade days when I would do nothing but sit on the field and pick the grass, to now when I play it spring, summer, winter and fall....I'm always ready for more.

My interest in Africa started long before this amazing opportunity but now it has had a chance to unravel and grow. I love learning about the history of Africa, how it has developed, and especially the people. I feel so blessed to be given the chance to inspire hope in these young people whom I already feel a special bond to.

Last year I visited the LDS Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City. I had been there several times when I was younger, but this time I was very impressed by the idea that I wanted humanitarian service to be major part of my adult life. I had decided that whatever occupation I chose to go to in the future I would like it to tie back into humanitarian service. I feel like I am so fortunate to be able to start now!

Thank you to the MANY, MANY people who are making this possible, especially Jackie and Suzy :)

Alex White

2009-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! My name is Alex! I am a sophmore at Timpview High school and as you probably already know, play soccer! :) I am part of of the program, "Goals for Girls." Which in enabling my soccer team to travel to Uganda and spread the message of hope through soccer and education. And I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to be going! I have a dream of helping others, of making a better life. Fortunately, that dream is being achieved through action. A favorite quote of mine is, by Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

So how about a little backround information about... well, me!

I I love sports! They have always been an important part of my life. Growing up I was always playing several and did everything from horse back riding and swim team, to basketball and tennis. However, the one sport I have always liked best is soccer. A seed of love was planted in my heart that first practice at age 4(you know, co-ed recreation leage, with my Dad as the coach. So typical), and it grew into a passion. To me soccer is a chance to dream, followed by a dedication to action. Giving me joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Some other "joys" of mine include being with family and friends, playing the piano, swimming and skiing.

The reason I want to go on this trip is simple, to make a difference, to give hope. The girls we will be meeting in Uganda have been through so much, and I really want to be able to help them in some way possible. The idea of doing something I passionately love, playing soccer, and helping someone at the same time is a beautiful one and it gives me hope. And with the hope I feel within myself, I think it would be the best thing in the world to be able to pass that on to others.

Another important thing to me is the message we will be sharing. I don't want people to think of this trip as a chance to go to Africa, but as a chance to help people around the world. "Every girl should have a goal" is our theme, and I really want that to be a well known saying in Uganda, here in Provo, and across the world. Expanding on just that could bring hope and joy to so many who need it. Also, health and education cannot be stressed enough, and I want to be able to convey that message to the girls in Uganda. I want our community to be involved and have a part in the service we will be doing. I want them to know what we stand for, and the work that is going to be done in Uganda. I want everyone to be invested in this project, so that maybe others will follow in our footsteps.

I am very excited to be traveling to Uganda! I want to be able to make a difference in girls' lives. Even if I only help one person that will be enough for me. Spreading the message "Every girl should have a goal" is the best thing I could be doing with my life, and the idea of spreading hope gives me joy. I want to be able to share that with my sisters in Uganda!

Jenny Clark

2009-03-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

I am Jenny Clark. I am a senior at Timpview High School, and I am also in my C.N.A and M.A. programs. I have played soccer since I can remember. I have always loved soccer. Soccer has been something that has shaped me into who I am today. I have been on the Timpview soccer team for 4 years. In those 4 years I have met some really good friends. Our team has always been close and there was always support on and off the field for eachother. I have pretty much played all the positions, I just go where I am needed and do my best. This year I finally found where I was needed and where I loved to play. I have focused on defense this year. I love defense and love to do my famous slide tackle. I love all sports and play them whenever I have the time. I also love skiing, biking, and running. I believe that every girl should have a goal. Some goals that I have made for myself are to finish High School and get a scholarship. Also, I want to get accepted into nursing school, become an R.N. (registered nurse), and go onto my masters degree. I want to impact the girls in Uganda and help them reach their goals and dreams. I am so excited to go to Uganda! I am really looking forward to seeing the African Culture and meeting the people. There are going to be many life changing lessons that will be applicable to me. I will come home knowing, and feeling different things about my life, and how lucky I am. I am so grateful for the oppurtunity to go to Uganda and make a difference. We have such a great group of girls and as a team we will help the girls in Uganda reach and make their goals and dreams reality.

Kendel Murray

2009-03-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Sorry this post is so late! My name is Kendel Murray, (Jordan is my little sister) I am one of I think two of the girls going on this trip who are not currently on the Timpview soccer team. I was a senior at Timpview last year and played with most of these wonderful girls! I am now a freshman playing soccer at Southern Utah University. I'm an art major, I love doing art, like soccer and anything else I enjoy art is an outlet for me. I also love skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, swimming- lets just say I LOVE anything to do with being outdoors. As for future plans and goals, my ultimate goal is to get a college degree and be able to work for a company doing art, but end up teaching art.
I cannot tell you how excited I was when Jackie called me and told me there was a spot open for me! I didn't know a lot about the trip until Jackie and Jordan ,and later the books and films filled me in a little bit more. I think the more knowledge about the people and places we are going will only make this experience more real and amazing, but more importantly it will help us know how to best help the people, especially these girls with different outstanding struggles in the most effective and lasting way possible. So I am so grateful to Jackie for having us read the books and watch the films because it will definitely make our experience in Africa unforgettable.
I'm currently reading "A Long Way Gone" by ishmael beah about a boy soldier in Sierra Leone. The thing that amazes me is that he was a regular 12 year old, very innocent boy before the rebels and civil war violence got to his village. I think it's safe to say that all the child refugees from the war have been through a whole lot more crap than most grown adults have here in the states. This boy, like all the children touched by the war in some way was forced to mature at a really young age. I think this is one of the most important things I could learn from the films and this book, that they really are only "kids" on the outside. When thinking about what to say to motivate or inspire them and how to interact, this factor stands out the most to me.

As for fundraising I haven't gone to any business yet but am planning on doing that soon. I think goals for girls hopefully kickstarts a pattern that will get young kids, especially the girls to get back into the most normal, functional life possible. Going back to school and being involved in their community is in my opinion among the most important things they could be doing. That is something I hope we accomplish while there, getting the message across that all of their hope is not lost. I hope we can provide some sort of path to normalcy and I know soccer and being part of a team is one of the things that can provide that "path" back to normalcy in their lives.

PICTURES: top left, me and my sister Jord at lake Powell: right, one of my senior pictures of me sportin the SUU red!

The LATEST WITH G4G UGANDA....

2009-02-27T13:52:00.000-08:00

So we haven't posted in quite some time and thought we would update everyone on what is going on. First of all, we leave in just over 3 months!!...and couldn’t be more excited. The following is a quick update on the latest!

Our Team Reading Assignment: (read along with us if you want!)
As a team, we are currently reading “Girl Soldier” by Faith McDonnell and Grace Akallo. It is a very inspiring book about Grace, who was a fifteen year old girl who became a victim of the Lords Resistance Army in Gulu. She joined the other 30,000 child soldiers and tells of her horrific experience and her escape in this book.

As you may or may not know, we are holding a motivational seminar at Laroo Primary School while we are in Gulu, which is a school for formerly abducted children like Grace. We are trying to learn everything we can about this 20 year war, as well as the experiences of the young girls we will be working with and playing soccer with so that we can relate to them better. We don’t want to come as naïve American girls that seem a little too obsessed with soccer (ok so what if it’s true:), that are completely oblivious to what they have endured and what other parts of the world experience. In April, after we have finished the book and researched the war on our own, we are getting together as a team to discuss what message we want to leave behind to these young Ugandan girls. This is an overwhelming opportunity, and we just want to prepare the best we can and really find a way that we can leave hope, and some inspiration. If you have ideas for us, you should comment on this post or email us at goalsforgirls@help-international.org.

Fundraising:
We just finished our fundraising brochures and they look awesome… (Thanks to Lloyd Greenburg and Ian Oliver). If you want one sent to you, email us! Now with the completion of the brochures and our website almost up and running, we have just transitioned into crazy fundraising mode…and we mean crazy.. It is a little less than fun, but necessary if we want to make this dream of ours (and theirs) a reality….which we do!!! We have a LOT of money to raise, but are committed to figuring out way to make it all work. As a team, we are hitting up anyone we can here in Provo, Suzy is in Washington State doing the same, as well as Hannah in Pinetop, Kendel in St. George, and our G4G friends in Washington DC. We are already so grateful for the help so many organizations and people have given us already, and so appreciate the encouragement so many others have offered. Thank you soooooo much. We hope you continue to follow us on this journey.

Our Luau Fundraising meeting

We are currently planning two fundraising events: A Luau and Soccer clinic. We have made committees over these events and are trying to divide the work, then conquer as a team....

1) A Goals for Girls Benefit LUAU!!! This event is on May 2 at TImpview High School. We will have lots of performers (including the G4G Uganda team themselvesJ), great music, and yummy food.
2) G4G Soccer Clinic for the young kids throughout our community. This will be held May 16 @ 3pm at Timpview High School. Our plan right now is to hold a training session and games, followed by a barbeque. That evening Timpveiw Girls Soccer will be playing on the turf to get ready for their matches in Uganda.

Documentary:
Three BYU Film Students have joined our project and are making a documentary of our trip. They have already started interviewing us, and will be joining us for the long haul. We are soooo excited that they have joined us and look forward to getting to know them better.

Goals for Girls 2007 Team:
We wish we could meet you girls. Thanks for paving the way and setting the standard with your 2007 trip. We have enjoyed learning about your experiences, and feel like we have some sisters in soccer across the nation. We hope we can make you proud!!

Random: Aya Watanabe, one of our teammates, made this for her art project….Just a little taste of what Goals for Girls is all about!

Jordan Murray

2009-02-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

YAY!!!! My name is Jordan Murray and I am SO EXCITED to go to Uganda, Africa. Myself outside of soccer would be...I love music, I play the piano and love listening to it. I love talking to and interacting with people. I love old people! I am currently interning on the rehab floor at the hospital and have met some of the nicest people there. I have an old man sense of humor so everything they say makes me laugh. I love history, and I love making lists and checking them off. I love chick-flicks like nobodies business. I love clothes. I love to ski. I love boating. I love my family and have the best one ever! :) I love to dance (but the kind you do when you have that "feel good" song on when no one is watching). I love Cafe Rio (a local Tex-Mex restaurant) and could eat there until I die. I love to travel and see different regions of the world and how people live in them.

My sister Kendel is also going to come on this trip, and I am really excited for her. We are only 18 months apart so we have been close our whole lives.

Like many other girls, I have been playing soccer since before I can even remember. It has been my life for a long time, and I have grown to love the sport. I have learned so much from the sport, and I can't wait to share it. I'll be the first to tell you that I am no star athlete. I've had my fair share of missed shots...passes, goals, headers, blocks, saves, etc. :) But that has not stopped me from playing. Although I loved the sport, and love to play, that was never the reason why I stuck with it. It has always been, for me, the social, and emotional side of it that kept me going. I have made some of my best friends from playing soccer. Some of the girls on this team I have been playing with since we were as young as 7 or 8. I love them, and they have taught me so much from not only example, but long talks on the bus rides to and from games, waiting for JV to finish playing, and just sitting exhausted after practice. I know that from being on a team it gives you the

opportunity to feel like you are needed somewhere, like you belong to something, which is exactly what these girls in Uganda need after everything they have been through. There is something about being on a team that binds and brings together girls. I know that on our team we have created a support system for each other and I know that I could go to any one of them and ask for help in anything. Girls in Uganda, after experiencing such hard things, could use a support system just like this more than ever right now. This is the reason I am going on this Goals4Girls trip. I know that through soccer life lessons can be learned of hard work, responsibility, leadership, and the ability to work as a team vs. as an individual. I hope that through this trip we can teach these girls these lessons that I have found to be so important in my life.

Haley Boshard

2009-02-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

My mom and I. My mom is going to Uganda as the team nurse

Hi my name is Haley Boshard and I am senior at Timpview High School. Ever since I was able to walk I have played soccer. I have played every position, but recently I have focused on midfield and forward. There is not a better feeling than making an amazing pass, or scoring a goal. It’s not just the great feelings that soccer has to offer it also teaches you important life lessons. The lessons I have learned playing this great game will live on in me forever and they have shaped me into the person I am today. Although I love soccer I also enjoy other sports such as skiing, wakeboarding, and running. Last week I completed my 2nd half-marathon and I am currently training for a full marathon this summer. My future goals also include going to college and obtaining my Registered Nursing Degree. I am so excited to embrace the Ugandan culture, the language, the environment, and the Ugandan people. I am especially looking forward to interacting with my Ugandan peers, making new friends and sharing new experiences with them. Since soccer has played such a huge role in my life, I hope to share the lessons I have learned through soccer with the girls of Uganda—I know these “life lessons” can enrich their lives. I love each member of my team and I am honored to be a member this “goals for girls “ program traveling to Uganda in June. As for what to expect? All I know is that this experience will undoubtedly impact my life forever. I just hope that I can have some small role in positively impacting the lives of the girls I get to serve while in Uganda.

Justin Hackworth Photography

2009-02-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Justin Hackworth is a nationally recognized photographer based in Utah, working throughout the United States for a variety of wedding, portrait, corporate and editorial clients. Him and his wife, Amy, have joint up with Goals for Girls in some fundraising efforts to help us raise money for our project. We are SOOOO grateful for their help, and are excited to work with them. Check out Justin's website at
http://www.justinhackworth.com. He is an incredible photographer.

ALSO...Amy and Justin came to our school on Friday to do a mini photoshoot on our team.

CHECK OUT THE SLIDESHOW HE MADE FOR US: http://justinhackworth.com/slideshow/20090206/

Suzy Benson Gillies

2009-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hey There! I'm Suzy. Together with Jackie, I am directing the 2009 Goals for Girls Uganda experience. I am a stay at home mom of 4 kiddos. Benson 11, Brinlee 8, Beau 7, and Blaire 5. I have been involved with soccer since I was very little. My dad is an "A" licensed coach and because of his jobs I had a lot of awesome soccer opportunities including playing in Europe when I was a teenager. I have continued to play and coach soccer and am passionate about the game. Soccer is one of the reasons that brought me to Uganda the first time. I went to do service work and used the game of soccer to get me there. After going to Uganda I came home with a goal to bring back female coaches and/or players and promote health and education through soccer. After Jackie and I met, the pieces fell into place and Goals for Girls 2009 was born. Shortly after Jackie and I decided to put the trip together, I moved to Seattle, Washington. For that reason, most of what I'm doing for the project is "behind the scenes". I work on the plane tickets, waiver forms and things that I can do from home. I will also be writing the curriculum for our training sessions we do in Uganda. Both Jackie and I have spent countless hours to make this happen. You can't imagine how much work it actually takes to pull something of this magnitude off! There are times I've been overwhelmed by all of the logistics, but when I feel that way I remember what the end result will be. I AM GOING BACK TO UGANDA! Aside from the births of my children, going to Uganda has been the best thing thing I've ever done. It's in my blood now and I can't get rid of it.
I'm so excited to go to Utah in May when we have the retreat and get to know everyone better! You will never, ever regret your decision to go to Africa. You will be changed for the better! I am so excited to be with you! Suzy

Emily Curtis

2009-01-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

Tubasanyukidde!!! That means "welcome" in the Luganda language. From my research Luganda is one of the main languages they speak in Uganda. My name is Emily Curtis and this summer I am traveling to Uganda with my soccer team in hopes to make a difference through the message of soccer. I am a freshman attending Timpview High School. I have been playing soccer ever since I can remember and I hope to play it for the rest of my life. I plan to graduate from college in my future years and continue with serving others.
I really enjoy sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis. I also love the TV series Lost. It is my favorite show to watch and about the only show I watch.
My fundraising for Africa is going well but I find it extremely hard to juggle school, soccer, basketball, friends, and fundraising. I don't mind at all doing the hard work it is just super hard to find time and ideas. So I am brainstorming ideas I can use to help with the money for Africa. Hopefully I will soon find one I love and that will benefit many things besides the money issue.
Our trip to Africa is going to cost a lot of money and a lot of time to get that money. Sometimes for just one second I will ask myself if it is worth it then I say to myself."what could be better to do with my time then raise money, and serve? There could be absolutely nothing better."
When I talk about going to Africa I don't like to sound like I don't know anything about it. So I have begun some research about it and I found a great website (http://www.experienceafrica.co.uk/I3.htm) that tells you basically anything you would like to know. Soon I will expand my knowledge of Africa by looking more into the facts.
A lot of people have asked me what I expect out of Africa and I honestly do not know. I don't want to expect anything because then I am afraid that I will come back from Africa not getting what I expected. I am going to a country that I have never been to, and that I do not know much about expect for what I have watched, researched, and heard. So I think if I were to expect anything out of my trip then I may be disappointed. I do know though that Africa will be the most amazing experience of my life because of the life changing experiences, the scenery, the people, and the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle, and that is why I am so excited for this trip.
My soccer team is the ultimate best. I love them because they help me set goals for my self, and then accomplish them. Something that proves that is our trip to Africa. I would have never thought of getting this opportunity but with the help of my team I have set the goal, and soon I will achieve it. That also goes along with our theme "every girl should have a goal". I am glad my team has set goals for me so now I will help set goals for the people in Africa, along as giving them hope.
I am also very happy that I will be able to share this experience with my sister, Sarah Curtis. She has been a great example for me throughout this of hard work and dedication.

Kathy Cannon

2009-01-25T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone my name is Kathy Cannon but i usually go by " Cannon". I am 18 years old and will graduate in May 2009. I have been playing soccer for around 15 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have played a variety of different positions from defense to attack but my favorite out of all of them is in the midfield. I love creating the perfect pass for my teammates and allowing them to score amazing goals. That is the best feeling in the world!!

Even though soccer is one of my biggest passions i also enjoy

doing a variety of different things in my spare time. Dirtbiking

has been one of my other biggest passions in my life and i have

been doing it ever since i was about 7 years old. I also like to

spend time with my family and going to different parts of the

country with them. Going to the movies is another thing that

i love to do with my family and friends. I like how movies just

help you to get away from the real world and let your

imagination run wild.

Jackie Skinner has coached me in soccer ever since i was around

12 years old and has really helped me to become the best player

and person that i could be. I have really connect

ed with her on and off the field and i consider her my big sister because she is always there for me. Im so amazed when i see all the time and effort she has put into supporting the people in Uganda! It will be amazing to share this experience with her and

really impact the girls in Uganda.

I am really excited for this trip to Uganda because i know

that i will really be making a difference in peoples lives.

It is somewhat scary though cause i have never really left

the country so i think that the culture difference will come

as a bit of a shock to me. Every girl should have a goal is a

saying that i have taken into my own life and i hope to help

girls in uganda to have hope and courage to set their own

goals. I am also excited to travel with my team that i have

played with for 4 years and have grown really close to.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to travel to Uganda and share the passion that i have for soccer to girls there. I know that what we are going to do will not only effect my life personally but the lives of girls in Uganda.

Goals for Girls in BYU's Daily Universe

2009-01-06T16:28:00.001-08:00

Check it out!

http://nn.byu.edu/story.cfm/70579

Timpview Meets Uganda......(click picture to view)

2009-01-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

We are all members of Timpview High School's soccer program and are from Provo, Utah. There are 15 of us ages 14-18. We have learned many life lessons through the game of soccer, one in particular being that every girl should have a goal. We are traveling to Uganda to promote just that, and our trip this summer is called “Goals for Girls 2009 Project Uganda”.

“Goals for Girls” is a program created in 2007 by Ian Oliver who took his Washington D.C. based girls’ soccer team to South Africa to educate about AIDS through the medium of soccer. We are the “Goals for Girls 2009 Project Uganda” and are the second American high school-aged girls’ soccer team in history to visit Africa. We will be in Uganda from June 3 to June 17th. We want to send these young girls a message of hope and determination…both in soccer and in life....

Laura Sudweeks

2009-01-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! My name is Laura Sudweeks, but i go by "Suds". I am 18, a senior and graduate 2009. I've been playing soccer for 15 years now and love it! I've played every position (except goalie) but my favorites are striker and wing. I love crossing and shooting! What a rush!! I love soccer, music (writing, playing, listening), and photography. I am looking to go into photography in college and become a professional photographer. Hopefully I will be blessed with the opportunity to play at least one year of soccer in college but it just depends on where I end up going.

I am SO excited to visit Africa and be able to travel to Uganda and other amazing places. I honestly have no idea what to expect, other than what I've seen on video clips that my coach has shown the team. I am looking forward to an amazing, eye opening experience. I hope to learn a lot while I'm there and hope I can make a difference in someone's life.

"Every girl should have a goal." To me, that means that no matter who you are, no matter what the circumstances, you can do something, be someone, push yourself to your limits. Everyone has the ability to excel. It's just a matter of setting goals to do it, and putting those goals into action, one at a time. Goals for girls is helping our team help others. It's an amazing program and this experience will be something each one of us on the team will remember for the rest of our lives.

I LOVE my team! The girls are all so incredible, sweet, kind hearted and hard working. When we all put 100% into games and practices we do great things and I know that if we put our full hearts into this program, the rewards will be endless. This sacrifices of time and money that we've all made will come back to us through the feelings and happiness we will recieve from doing this service to girls in Africa. I am SO excited and cannot WAIT to go!!

Hannah Skinner

2008-12-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! My name is Hannah Skinner and I am so excited for this opportunity I have to go to Uganda with 2009 Goals for Girls. I am actually not a student at Timpview, but am so excited and feel privileged to join their team for this prjoect. I am Jackie Skinner’s (who is leading this trip) little sister, and am a senior at Blue Ridge High School in Pinetop, Arizona. I have played soccer since I was four years old, and it has been a huge part of my life ever since. I play both club and high school soccer, and just last year my high school team won the 3A Arizona State Championship. I play both defense and midfield. I don’t know where I would be without the game in my life. It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence which I have applied to other aspects of my life. It is such a great way to release negative energy and to forget everything and just go out and have a blast.

In addition to soccer, I also play basketball and volleyball for my high school. I love snowboarding, anything outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends. I am the youngest of 5 children.

My sister Jackie has been going to Africa for about five years now, and every time she comes home she shows our family pictures and videos, and shares with us all of her incredible experiences. I have become very interested in Uganda and passionate in learning how I can help there. Through her videos and pictures, I feel like I already have a connection and love for the people there. I also feel like have a fairly good understanding of the struggles young girls face that are my same age. I know that this experience is going to teach me a LOT! What I want to leave behind to my “sisters” in Uganda, is a message of hope. I want them to know I support and salute them, even though I am thousands of miles away. I want to share the game I love with them, and teach them all about what the game has taught me. I also want to help motivate these young girls to really become something in their lives, and not let their current situations stand in the way of their goals. Hence… every girl should have a goal.

This trip has become a dream/goal of mine, and I know that in order to make goals happen, you have to work hard. It is not easy coming up with $5,000 as a high school student that is involved in a lot of extracurricular things. I know great things take great sacrifice. I have done many things in order to raise the money. Some of my fundraising efforts have included bake sales at local grocery stores, handing out flyers around the community offering my services (babysitting, cleaning, snow-plowing, etc.), putting a donation jar at my mom’s gym, sending out fundraising letters to pretty much everyone I have ever known (THANK YOU!!), working extra hours at my mom’s gym, and asking for nothing but “Uganda” for Christmas and my birthday. It hasn’t been easy coming up with the money… but I know it is something I really want to do.

I can’t wait to meet the other 15 girls at Timpview, and feel honored to join them. . I also can’t wait to meet everyone at The Kids League and the young girls we will be working with. It’s amazing how a game can unite people.

I am also soooo excited to go to Uganda with my sister Jackie. I grew up going to Jackie’s soccer games and tournaments, and loved cheering her on on the field. But, because of our age difference and living in different states, she missed out going to all my games and cheering me on. I can’t wait for this opportunity I will have to join her in Africa, doing something we are both passionate about: service and soccer. And now she will finally get the chance to watch me tear up the fields in Uganda;-)

I also want to thank the staff at the Kids League for making this trip possible. I can’t wait to meet you!

Aya Watanabe

2008-12-30T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hello! My name is Aya Watanabe. I am 16 years old and a sophomore at Timpview. Some of the things I enjoy doing include, soccer (of course!), I love playing the piano, watching movies, I love skiing and anything to do with snow! I love being with my friends and family, and I love to eat (I hear that might be a bit of a problem for me in Uganda, but that's ok, its definitely worth it).

I have been playing soccer since I was very young and I absolutely love it! I mostly play defensive midfielder. Besides playing on the Timpview soccer team in the fall, I also play on a club team, Celtic Storm. I love both my teams equally! What I love most about high school soccer is that it is so much fun! No matter if we win or loose, we always seem to be laughing on the ride home. We all connect so well together, and I can’t wait to spend a whole 2 weeks with them!

Something I have always believed in is that you are happiest when you are serving others. When I heard that 15 of us would have the amazing opportunity to travel to Uganda, my heart jumped, and I knew I had to go. Ever since then I don't think a day has gone by that I don't think about all the kids in Uganda, and the opportunity I will have to hopefully change their lives, and also my own. I can not think of a better opportunity to serve, then this one. I know that this is going to take a lot of work and effort, but I know every hour of hard work I put into making this trip happen, is going to make the experience that much better.

Chanel Arts

2008-12-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hey!! I am Chanel Arts, a senior at Timpview High School. I've been playing soccer off and on since 5th grade. I also play Basketball and run Track at my high school. But soccer wins my overall favorite. I love to hacky sack, long board, play the violin, read, and eat ice cream. I am the oldest of soon to be eight kids and love my family. Education wise I hope to attend BYU in the fall.

I am so excited for this opportunity to visit Africa and have a chance to really make a difference in people's lives. I know the people there will change my life. I have a huge amount of respect for my coach and friend Jackie Skinner. She has put so much into this endeavor and is such a motivator. I love being part of a team and, especially a soccer team. There are so many aspects to this sport and that's what makes it such a fun game to play. I play Goal Keeper and love my position. Soccer has helped me become more self-disciplined and confident in all that I do.

Some of my personal goals include: Earn a Ph.D., coach a kids soccer team, travel the world, learn how to speak Dutch (My father is from the Netherlands), and publish a book.

I recognize the financial difficulties that lie ahead with a major project like this one. Anything of great importance requires a sacrifice, but I know that I can make a trip to Uganda a reality.

Goals make a difference. One of my favorite quotes is by Theodore Roosevelt,

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

It doesn't matter the roadblocks, or what circumstances you are unexpectedly placed it, what matters is how you handle that situation and the choices you make. I know going to Uganda is a good choice, and supporting Goals for Girls is a good choice. And I want to do what I can to help out.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T13:06:00.001-08:00

Timpview Girls Soccer White Elephant Holiday Party:)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Tentative Itinerary

2008-12-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

We wanted to update on our Goals for Girls Project itinerary up to this point (all of which is tentative). We are all so excited for this opportunity, and are so grateful to The Kids League in Uganda for helping to make it possible. Here are our plans...we will update as the plans become more concrete:

Day 1: Leave Salt Lake City for Chicago...then Chicago for London!
Day 2: 11 hour layover in London, fly to Nairobi, Kenya
Day 3: Fly from Nairobi to Entebbe, Uganda

Day 4: Arrival at Entebbe international Airport: G4G will be met and assisted through customs by TKL staff. Bus journey to Kampala: G4G will be driven to Kampala (45 minutes drive from Entebbe to Kampala). Check in and Dinner. Welcome party

Day 5: Welcome to The Kids League (TKL). Visit TKL Office: An opportunity for G4G to meet and interact with staff at TKL Kampala Office, get to know Uganda in general, become more familiar with the various TKL programs as well as a theoretical feel of the dynamics in rural Uganda. Site visit: Visit Katanga slum, one of Kampala’s biggest slums where TKL had a "sports for development" program . Visit a local school. Understand community development work in Katanga. Witness the challenges of urbanization in Kampala, participate in general cleaning up exercise and share experiences with some local community members.

Day 6
Journey to Gulu, Northern Uganda: A 6 hour journey by bus to Gulu, located in the northern part of Uganda (About 273 Km from Kampala). See the mightly Nile crossing Karuma Falls.
Accomodation check in... Here traditional Acholi meals can be enjoyed and its proximity to Gulu town means you can have a feel of life in one of Uganda’s fastest growing towns.

Day 7
Visit to Laroo Boarding Primary School: A school for formerly abducted children, those affected by the 2 decade long conflict and those born in captivity located about 2 kilometres from Gulu town along Gulu-Kitgum road. G4G will be conducting a training session with the girls in this school. This is an opportunity to interact, share experiences and inspire the students as well the local community. Visit to Unyama IDP camp: An opportunity to witness life in an IDP camp while interacting with children and other community members there-in.

Day 8

Visit Gulu "SOS children’s village": A chance to interact with child victims of war in Northern Uganda. Short sporting activities for these children will be organized. G4G will pass by "Peche Stadium"-the venue for the soccer clinics that you will conduct. Commencement of soccer clinics at Pece Stadium. Get to meet the girls, talk to them and organize them into various teams.

Day 9
Soccer clinics continued: G4G will conduct soccer training sessions and engage the local girls in motivational and inspirational talks on a topic to be agreed.

Day 10
Drive to Murchison Falls National Game Park: An opportunity to take boat ride on the river Nile and watch wild life, etc. An over-nite stay at Murchison falls.

Day 11
Murchison Falls - Game Drive + Visit Education project in the Park

Day 12
Drive back to Kampala
Check in at "Red Chilli", Mbuya, Kampala.

Day 13
Jinja - Bujagali Falls and local orphanages

Day 14
G4G will visit the Federation of Uganda Football Federation (FUFA). Meet the Vice President in charge of women's football. Meet one of the Ladies’ soccer teams playing in the national women’s soccer league. Exhibition game: An afternoon match with the women’s team.

Day 15
G4G will visit a disabled children's organisation with opportunity to play football/interact with children. Visit Missionaries for the Poor - an orphanage in Kampala which TKL is involved in and its neighbouring school.

Day 16: Fly from Entebbe to Nairobi, then Nairobi to London
Day 17: Fly from London to Chicago, then Chicago to Salt Lake

Again, we will update itinerary as it becomes more concrete:)

*Posted by Jackie Skinner

Sunday, December 14, 2008

2008-12-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Heyyy! My name is Kelsey Badger and I am currently a sophmore at Timpview High School. I enjoy running, reading, hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and just having a good time! I love summer because I can't stand the cold, I get to play soccer more often, I love to swim and get tan :) and it's the time of year for going on vacations, which is fun for me because I love traveling and experiencing new things. Hence why I am so excited to go to Africa with my high school soccer team. It's all the things I love in one!

I have been playing soccer ever since 1st grade and have loved it

ever since. Really, soccer is what keeps me going in life. I always look forward to practice, and especially games. I love having a team, and I love being apart of that team. I believe soccer is really the best sport in the world. This year I tried out for Timpview's basketball team to help me keep in shape for my spring soccer season. Playing basketball is fun... but there is such a difference between basketball and soccer that it really showed me how much and why I love soccer! It's because soccer is a team sport, it's my sport. Basketball is sometimes frustrating for me because it's more of the coach's sport. I love being on the soccer field and creating my own runs and doing what I can do with the ball with no time outs!

I am so excited to go to Africa! I have been given so much that I believe I need to give back just as much. This is an amazing opportunity that my team and I have been given. I believe everyone can make a difference in the world, and this is my chance to make a statement to the world. "Goals4Girls" is an amazing and strong statement; I can't wait to make a difference in the girls' lives in Africa, especially through the sport that has made such a difference to me in my own life. Every girl deserves to have a goal.

I don't think I could do much with my life if I didn't have any goals. Goals are what push me to do my best. I have goals for everything! Some of the goals I have in my life are to try my hardest, always have a smile, to get married and to raise a family, play college soccer, travel the world, get straight A's so I can go to a university, and to basically just live life with no regrets. One of the greatest feelings in the world is to go through all the hard work, all the failures, and finally reaching your goal for whatever it was. Anything in this life is possible if you work hard enough for it.

I can't wait to go to Uganda. It has always been my dream to go to Africa to do service. One of my goals is finally coming true at last. :)

Sarah Jane Curtis

2008-12-01T19:15:00.001-08:00

Hello! My name is Sarah Jane Curtis and I live in a nice town that is often called Provo, Utah. I'm a junior at Timpview High school.
I've been playing soccer since I was in first grade. However, I wasn't allowed to play in second grade because my mom told me the boys were ball hogs. But after it wasn't co-ed anymore, I was free to play.

Soccer is a year round thing for me and I couldn't be happier. I'm finally back to playing soccer after having been out for two months from a broken foot, and I'm loving it! I feel very honored to be on both my high school and club team. I always have a blast with both of those teams and I'm lucky to have them be my teammates and friends. Other than playing soccer I also enjoy sewing, reading, Hanging out with my friends, and being with my family of nine.

I'm just beginning my fund raising and I am pumped about it! I've been trying to get a job to help raise money, but until then, I plan to shovel sidewalks, babysit, etc... I'm still not quite sure what to expect, but one thing I am afraid of is finally getting there and being frustrated with myself for not doing more to help out before I've gone. I've basically decided that going to Uganda is like a dream come true for me; I have the opportunity to do service, help others through soccer, go half way around the world, see cool animals (some scary ones I hope), and much more.

In the past few weeks I've been able to see some videos of those over in Uganda; they've touched me and inspired me to really get out there and help. I love the saying "goals for girls" because having goals is so important. some of my goals are to get a good education, be married in the salt lake temple, not get too stressed, and even just to try and stay happy during the day. Without having goals I wouldn't be able to get very far. I don't even know if I would be able to wake up and go to school. But I do, and so far I haven't regretted it! Going over to Uganda is something I know won't be the easiest thing to do, but I know its going to be worth it.

Another great thing is that my little sister emily will be coming on the trip as well. (pictured on the left)

Goals for Girls 2009 in the Deseret News

2008-11-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

Check it out:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705263744,00.html

Also, check us out on

www.goalsforgirls.org

One fundraiser down, tons to go!

2008-11-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

INDOOR YARDALE

Our first team fundraiser is over! We had our big indoor yardsale last Saturday and raised about $2,400. We advertised like crazy, and had a decent crowd show up. We were grateful for all the support that was given to us in making it possible.

We made tons of signs and put them around town.....

Friday, we had "item drop-off" where many people from the community dropped off their "stuff", and we organized it all until about 10:30 that night.

Not the most exciting night of our lives, but we did manage to have a little fun:)

We decided we needed to take a break and sport all of the "goodies" we found in the mess of junk....

Yeah we decided to have a little yardsale fashion show. No big deal right?

We got to the school at about 8am Saturday morning to do some last minute setting up, and in came the people....

We also had a bakesale that Jenny headed up with the help of the rest of the team. We made bank on that!

INDOOR YARDSALE!!!

2008-11-11T17:24:00.001-08:00

INDOOR YARDSALE FUNDRAISING EVENT

Timpview Soccer, UGANDA 2009

We are having our first big fundraiser for our trip to Uganda this summer!!!
WHO: Timpview Girls Soccer
WHAT: HUGE INDOOR YARDSALE
WHEN: Saturday (Nov 15), from 9am-1pm
WHERE: Timpview High School's South Gym
WHY: To raise money for our trip to Uganda this summer
***If you are interested in donating items to sell, please email us at goals4girlsuganda@gmail.com. We would love to come pick up any items you may have, or you can drop them off this Friday (Nov. 14) from 3-7pm at Timpview's South Gym.

Thanks for your support!!!

The Kids League, Uganda

2008-11-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

We received an email from Ann Dudley, who together with her husband Trevor, are the founders of The Kids League, our host while in Uganda. It reads:

"Hi Everyone,

We haven't met yet but you all look wonderful and I have so enjoyed looking at the photographs I have seen of you all.

We are thrilled to be linked to you guys and so looking forward to the coming months as we plan your visit.

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm! At our staff meeting today we all discussed how much your visit is the answer to a dream. The staff were amazed that you managed to meet the Ugandan Ambassador to USA. The girls here would never get such an audience and this alone gives them hope that one day their voices, like yours, will be heard and their faces will be seen.

We are so proud to be associated with you all with your determination, your courage and your tenacity in wanting and in becoming to become exemplary role models for this the first real generation of global citizens. Thanks for reaching out to those whom you have never met yet feel connected to.

You have gone into our KKL/TKL newsletter this week which will go live online sometime next week (I think)!

Best wishes and blessings to you all

Ann Dudley"

We are so excited to meet all that work for The Kids League and can't wait to work with them in country.

Below is Jackie, Marcel Desailly (former Chelsea Player), and Trevor Dudley (founder of The Kids League)

ABOUT THE KIDS LEAGUE....

The Kids League (TKL) organizes soccer programs for disadvantaged youth in different conflict zones in Uganda. Volunteers from the community are trained as referees, coaches and administrators. Often, it is the children’s parents or guardians who participate in various aspects of the program delivery. TKL aims to improve children’s lives through sport by breaking down religious, social and economic barriers within communities, bringing boys and girls together to convey health, HIV/AIDS and education messages. They do this in conflict areas across northern Uganda to socially integrate ex-child soldiers and traumatised children. TKL actively encourage more girls to take part in football. In 2003 the founder, Trevor Dudley, was awarded an Ashoka fellowship for creating significant social change in Uganda. In November 2007, TKL was honoured with a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales who wanted to see the success of the programmes. In 2008 Trevor was awarded an MBE by the Queen for services to children’s sport, health and education in Uganda.

Check out The Kids League website at: http://www.kampalakidsleague.org/

Also, check out our project @ HELP International's website: http://www.help-international.org/countries-and-programs/goals-for-girls.html. We are grateful to HELP International for taking G4G 2009 under their "wings" and helping to make this all possible.

*Posted by Jackie Skinner

GOALS FOR GIRLS 2009 TEAM

2008-11-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

The following is our 2009 G4G Team!!!!

Directors: Jackie Skinner and Suzy Gillies

Kendel Muray (Sr)

Jordan Murray (Sr)
Chanel Arts (Sr)
Kimmy Bramble (Sr)
Haley Boshard (Sr)
Kathy Cannon (Sr)
Jenny Clark (Sr)
Laura Sudweeks (Sr)
Hannah Skinner (Sr)
Sarah Curtis (Jr)
Kelsey Badger (So)
Aya Watanabe (So)
Alex White (So)
Moe Christiansen (So)
Anne Collins (So)
Emily Curtis (Fr)

Chaperones: Susan Bramble, Anne Sudweeks, and Andrea Boshard
Fundraising Specialist: Jenny Bezzant

We have an incredible group and are so excited for our upcoming trip!

*Posted by Jackie Skinner

Timpview Girls Soccer

2008-11-01T16:17:00.001-07:00

TKL Teams Playing in Uganda

2008-10-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

While in Uganda, Suzy and Jackie were both treated to TKL games. Most of the kids do not have shoes, let alone soccer shoes. The fields that kids play on are patches of dirt, often littered with animal dung. The boy pictures above, played with one shoe. When you asked him his name he replied, "Beckham". Suzy was able to play in a game. The school master asked her if she wanted to play and she replied, "I don't have my shoes" (she was wearing flip-flops), and the school master said, "Look, my children don't have shoes". Talk about being humbled. So, in order to keep from getting hurt, she joined in, stinky jersey and all and played in her flip-flops!

*Posted by Suzy Gillies

The Team

2008-10-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

The team is made up of JV and Varsity Soccer Players from Timpview High School in Provo, Utah

*Posted by Chanel Arts

How it All Began!

2008-10-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Suzy, Jackie, and Jenny !!

From the time they were little Suzy and Jackie were passionate about helping others. Forward to 2008. Suzy had just returned from Uganda for the first time and Jackie was about to go. As fate would have it, the two met, not by chance, and the rest is history. On Suzy's trip to Uganda she was hosted by Trevor Dudley of The Kid's League. TKL is an NGO that promotes health and education through soccer. While Suzy was there she did some humanitarian work and toured TKL sights with Trevor. During the journey Trevor mentioned several times that it would be a tremendous boost for girls soccer if she could get a US girls soccer team to come to Uganda. Well, Suzy dreams big and new it would happen, she just didn't know how. Enter Jackie. After being introduced Suzy and Jackie soon made the connection Suzy was looking for a team to take to Uganda, and to her surprise, Jackie had a team that wanted to go! So, the two paired up and over the summer contemplated the decision to go, or not to go. Believe it or not, they actually decided no and later brought it back to the table. So, after joining forces, we are making it happen. We are taking the first US girls soccer team to Uganda!

*Posted by Suzy Gilles