Project Launch:

World Connect supported girls ages 9-13 in the community of Manabao, Dominican Republic in forming a girls' volleyball team that also served to educate girls about gender relations, communication, mental/ emotional/ physical health (including age appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention), self-esteem and values. The girls shared their knowledge in charlas (community talks) with an established group of women health promoters, a girls' arts club, Escojo mi Vida groups, and teams in other communities to expand the outreach of the project and further build confidence and communication skills in the girls. The practices with the girls have attracted many boys in the community who routinely practiced and participated in charlas with the girls and also wanted to start a team. While the original program was directed at promoting gender equality through a focus on girls, having the boys practice and learn alongside girls of the same age promoted the same goal through mutual respect and shared interests. The youth participating not only benefit from higher levels of fitness and athletic skill, they are developing important values such as teamwork, pride, and dedication.