Annual report 2019 LETTER FROM OUR And we are not stopping. For 2020 our theme is ESSENTIAL IMPACT STORIES. Armed with new technology that helps track the progress of the Soar girls, we will be sharing more Soar girl stories via text, pictures, and The Project videos in 2020. Because no one knows better how Project Soar transforms lives than the girls themselves. Soar pledge: So stay tuned for stories that will open your heart and inspire your soul. In a tumultuous world, never doubt All girls must Dear DirectorProject Soar friends, that change is possible. Facts stay in school. 2019 has been a year of milestones. We kick off each With the hope of a more just world for teen girls year with a new theme, and for 2019 it was Crossing WHAT everywhere, Nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Borders. We are proud to have met that challenge! We registered in the US and Morocco collaborated with Ugandan partners, Open Space, to take Project Soar to five underserved girls’ schools in Kampala. While the distance between Morocco and WHEN Uganda is significant, the challenges that teen girls Established in 2013 face are the same: lack of self-esteem, period poverty, MaryamFounder Montague& Director sexual harassment, and girl brides. Project Soar works to tackle these issues and more. To meet specific WHERE concerns in Uganda, we added new workshops on Morocco & Uganda OUR HIV/AIDs and female genital mutilation to our core Headquartered in Marrakech curriculum. And after months of hard work, our first class of Soar Ugandan girls has just graduated! But beyond program completion, the pilot in Uganda demonstrated WHO something more important yet: Project Soar’s relevance Marginalized teen girls in school to across borders because teen girls everywhere need to know their value, voice, body, rights, and path. Mission HOW empower 2019 was an important year for Project Soar in Signature empowerment curriculum Morocco, too. One of our proudest milestones is our helping girls understand their: teenage first cohort of Soar girls accepted into university. At our headquarters site alone, every single 12th grader passed the Baccalaureate and is now getting a higher education. And there are many more girls to come! With VALUE support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the to become American Language Center, in 2019 we trained over VOICE 70 new women Project Soar Empowerment Facilitators. leaders These facilitators are now working across the country BODY girls of to empower teen girls with critical leadership skills. RIGHTS All of this would not have been possible without the tireless help of our staff, board members, volunteers, PATH TODAY and donors. And of course, the commitment and grit of and the hundreds of Soar girls themselves. tomorrow 2019 Empowering girls in Morocco and Uganda
Snapshot Girl Leaders 21 Clubs Project Soar Project Soar 19 squads 48 squads
January 2019 December 2019
1,611 48 93.3% teenage girls squads in passing rate served Morocco & of Academic Uganda Scores for PS
1,134 hours of empowerment
16 days 123 74 4,706 training Empowerment volunteers volunteer Empowerment Facilitators hours Facilitators donated “My relationship with my family was horrible because I refused to get married at the age of 16. Project Soar helped me develop my communication skills. I learned how to express my opinions and share why I didn’t want to get married. It was difficult but my relationship 1 Diplomatic Gala 5 Grants with Reward with my family has improved. I will never forget the 1,052 BeGirl 1 Jewelry moment when I told my father that I graduated from 1 Girl Power games Collaboration menstruation high school. He took me in his arms and he spun me in kits distributed 1 TEDx Talk 2 visits by American the air. I felt so proud and happy. Business delegations 1 Keynote speech Project Soar has changed my life.”
20 years old from -DouniaDouar Laadam PSB Expansion SIGNATURE In 2019, we expanded the Project Soar in a Box empowerment program with key partners. Girls Leaders Clubs Ministry of Youth and Sports, Programs Project Soar Girl Leaders Clubs Government of Morocco Academic Support (GLCs) help Girls put into action 34 Youth Centers (dar chebabs) across their leadership skills in their local Morocco Empowerment Workshops Over two academic terms in 2019, communities. GLC Girls receive 34 Girl Squads Project Soar Girls served by our continued Project Soar support and Project Soar girls across Morocco and 896 registered Project Soar Girls Marrakech headquarters received are equipped with a toolkit that Uganda join Empowerment workshops in weekly academic support and help them effectively manage their their communities led by trained Project American Language Center - intensive exam preparation classes. Clubs through: Soar facilitators. Workshops are rooted in Thank you to the Embassy of Australia Casablanca the Project Soar Empowerment Pillars: Girl Squads in Casablanca, Morocco in Morocco, Direct Aid Program for your Club governance 5 support! registered Project Soar Girls Activity planning 118 Know your Value Advocacy skills Know your Voice 192 Project Soar Girls in Open Space Centre Know your Body grades 9 to 12 5 High Schools in Kampala, Uganda 21 GLCs launched Know your Rights 5 Girl Squads 821 hours of general academic Know your Path 416 Club members in Morocco 132 graduated Project Soar Girls support in Math, Physics, English, and Uganda 5 Girl Leaders Clubs launched Each workshop helps develop teen French and Natural Science girl confidence and skills through a 222.5 hours of intensive combination of: exam-preparation
Affirmations Dialogue hours of 1000+ Art or Movement academic support helping Meditation/Visualization Journaling SCALING
WITH THE MOROCCAN SustainablyGOVERNMENT
In partnership with the Ministry of Program Overview Youth and Sports, Project Soar launched its Empowerment Program in 28 Youth Center Directors 34 local youth centers (dar chebabs) across Morocco. Programming attended an orientation will continue for the 2019-2020 academic school year, with Girl 67 Female Facilitators trained Leaders Clubs launched and housed on the empowerment program in the youth centers. Funding from the Moroccan government has been 896 Girls registered in instrumental in bringing Project Soar program by Dec 31, 2019 to scale across Morocco. 235 of workshops completed by Dec 31, 2019
Girls Squad Centers
18 Nov Youth Center Esskhirat Youth Center “I was thinking about dropping Aarst Alhamed Fam lhisn Youth Center out of school and my parents Abd Salam El Massari Hay Salam Ahdaf El Atlas Hay Salama Youth Center suggested that I get married. Akchmir Youth Center Homan El Fetouaki Akka Youth Center Kasbah Youth Center, However, I learned about Aknis Marrakech Project Soar and after joining, Al Wahda Masnana Youth Center Aourir Youth Center Mdaghra Youth Center my idea completely changed. Bouyzakarn Youth Center Mohammed Bordou El Aarbi Ben Mbark Moulay Rachid - Casablanca Now I’m going to finish my El Aaroui Rahhal Ben Ahmed studies and apply for university. El Hay El Oumali Riad el Andalosse Youth El Kebab Youth Center Center Thanks Project Soar!” El Khang Youth Center Rich Youth Center El Kharij Sidi Ismail Youth Center 19 years old from El Mariniyine Sidi Othman -ChaimaeTaroudant Essaouira Youth Center Tamzmout KEYNOTE PATH NORTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, DC
BY PROJECT SOAR GIRL KHADIJA SATOUR During the Body module, I understood the Speech importance of taking care of my physical health and adopting healthy eating/ nutritional habits. I learned to never be ashamed of physical changes that my body “Project Soar opened up a window of undergoes at this age because it is a opportunities for me. Before I joined Project normal phase of my life – of every girl’s life. Soar, I was nervous and afraid to speak up. I was afraid of the way I am perceived in As for the Rights modules, it helped me gain my community and among my peers. I was the courage to say “No” to forced marriage, extremely shy and introverted. I had no friends violence, and exploitation. I learned to at all and wasn’t comfortable even in a family stand up against anything that might setting. I used to think that everyone disliked hinder my abilities as a girl. me. Then I heard about Project Soar from my classmates and thought it would be a great The Path module taught me that there is “I am aware of the outlet for me. room for me to dream about the future. It taught me the importance of setting goals hurdles that might stand A part from the richness and variety of the and taking advantage of opportunities activities offered by Project Soar, academics that will lead to a better future for others in my way but I am very and others, nothing made more positive impact and myself. on me than Empowerment Workshops. First, when confident in my ability I just joined, I was nervous to interact with I am aware of the hurdles that might the other girls. During empowerment sessions, stand in my way but I am very confident to overcome them.” I have gained self-esteem, satisfaction, love, in my ability to overcome them. My self- change, and a tremendous deal of personal confidence, resolve, and my desire to growth. I have really come to value myself as succeed are my weapons! Now, I have a a girl. I realized that there is every reason goal, and my goal is to become a girl to my existence as a girl and young woman. leader in my community. I would like to send I felt that I was born to explore my endless a message to every girl like me: You are possibilities. more than just a body to be exploited or work at a young age. NO! You are a soul. During the Voice module, I discovered that You are feelings. Even if people can not my unique voice sets me apart. My voice understand you what is most important is translates the strength of my thoughts and that you understand yourself. It is important feelings. I figured that the only way for me to for you to be aware of your rights. Embrace be understood is to take initiative to speak and enjoy them fully. Live your life. Wake up. I overcame my anxiety and fears and was up every morning looking forward to able to discover my true personal worth. I being better. It doesn’t matter if you fail. understood that the way I view my own self far Stand back up again, and use your life supersedes the way others view me. My love experiences as a lesson to shape your and respect for myself is what will earn me own future.” respect and love from others. EXPANDING TO East Africa
In 2019, Project Soar crossed borders! With Ugandan partner, Open Space Centre, the Project Soar in a Box empowerment program was piloted in five schools in Kampala, Uganda with great success. The program resulted in
“Everything has 12 Trained Female Empowerment Facilitators changed now. I 5 Project Soar in a Box Squads launched can’t even gauge Baptist High School Kinaawa High School my own confidence. Kisaasi College School Mbogo Progressive School It amazes me!” St. James Secondary School 132 Girls graduated the empowerment program 5 Girl Leaders Clubs launched
Girls in Action
A Project Soar Girl squad petitioned their school administration to allow the squad shirt to be accepted as part of their school uniform. The girls implemented lessons learned from the empowerment workshops and now their uniforms have a new look!
Thank you Marsha P. for your support! “The girls’ attitudes and the way they carry themselves have changed drastically. A number of girls shared with me that now they no longer feel it is their fault when they are sexually harassed. This is vital given that communities still victim shame and make girls feel they are the problem.”
-AsmaaPSB Facilitator in Esskhirat OUR AMAZING Financials & Donors Donors and Supporters $10,000+ Donations received January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Ernie & Jeanne Giabati Project Soar has expanded core Williams Family Foundation programming and launched new initiatives DeVaan Family Charitable Fund in thanks to our supportive partners and The San Francisco Foundation generous contributors. Project Soar staff Rogers and Julie Weed and the Project Soar Girls are grateful Anna Beck Jewelry for the continued commitment of the United States, Moroccan, and Australian $5,000+ governments. Medtronic Foundation Volunteer Grant Program American Language Center Casablanca - United States Department Of State, Office Mark Eckman of Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Drift Home Collection - Ministry of Youth and Sports, Government Luleta Maslak of Morocco Marina Fanning & Larry Cooley - Embassy of Australia in Morocco, Direct Aid Program $1,000 - $5,000 Cameron Family Foundation Project Soar staff and the Project Soar Girls Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise U.S.A. 501(c)3 Moroccan Association Total 2019 are deeply thankful for the heartfelt gifts Henry McLoughlin INCOMING REVENUE $199,316.31 $216,882.92 $416,199.23 from the 242 individual donors of 2019. Eat Pray Move Yoga Individual Donations $146,316.31 $16,447.07 The generous donations make an incredible Laura LeCoque Grants impact on Project Soar Girls, their families, Anna Rohfers and their communities. Jaime Leigh World Wide Women’s Web $30,000.00 Carol Niall United States $127,537.94 $125,000+ Jillian Korstrom Government Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI): Leticia Gonzales-Reyes Australian Government $38,174.54 United States State Department Adela Kutalkova Project Soar U.S.A. $18,000 Ursula Khoshaba Fondation Diplomatique $10,000.00 $30,000+ Thierry Marchand Netflix $1,500.00 Direct Aid Program (DAP): Australian Lisa Moriyama American Language $5,223.37 Government: Embassy in Morocco Michael Saltman Center Aziz Nahas OUTGOING EXPENSES Owen Kirby $95,203.38 $265,740.00 $360,943.38 $20,000+ Plan it Morocco Personnel & Professionals $47,373.38 $109,598.25 Reza Safavi Om Yoga Taxes, insurance & benefits $955.00 $22,561.90 Meknes Carpet Supplies and equipment $5,916.07 $44,637.48 $15,000+ MAANA Travel Travel and Transit $1,413.09 $39,998.59 MMontague & Peacock Pavilions Cefalo Family Contracts & Subgrants $31,518.51 $33,134.78 World Wide Women’s Web (W4) Timothy Resch Other Direct Costs $8,027.33 $15,809.00 THE Team
123 Facilitators in Morocco and Uganda Empowerment Facilitators 123 facilitators in Morocco and Uganda Staff (left to right) HQ Staff (left to right) Biougra Figuig Sidi Ismail Maryam Montague Uganda: Bouyzakarn Henchane Sidi Jaber Co-founder and Executive Director Jessica Houari Kampala Latifa Boukiri Casablanca Marrakech Sidi Slimane CEO Office Director PSD Coordinator Morocco: Douar Laadam Massa Souk El Khmis Dades Aghbalou El Jadida Mdaghra Tanger Masnana Chris Redecke Ait Bougmaz Fatima Chakir Yasmine Moujjane El Kebab N’Zalat Bni Amar Taroudant Co-founder and Director of Logistics Ait IsHaq Finance & HR Manager Empowerent Lead El Khang Ouled Teima Tifelt COO Ait Ourir El Menzel Ouled Yahya Lagrayer Tighdouine Akka Noor Boughrad Fatimaezzahra Essaouira Ourtzagh Tighoumar Kaydee Dahlin Amellago Program Coordinator & Amechnoug Esskhirat Rich Tinjdad Director of Finance and Administration Aourir Academic Manager Financial Fam Lhisn Safi Tissint CFO Arouit Coordinator Fes Sale Touama Azrou Fatima Ait Ouknik PSB Coordinator Rabab Talal Development Board Members Coordinator Kawtar Ait Malek Morocco Board Members US Board Members PSB Coordinator Chris Redecke, President Marina Fanning, President Yasmine Sarhrouny, Vice President Per Sjödell, Vice President Aziz Nahas, Treasurer Sarita Jha, Treasurer Hadia Temli, Secretary Jacqueline Assimwe, Director Caitlin Dowe- Sandes, Advisor Lamia Bazir, Director Patrick Benjaminson, Honorary Advisor CallTeen girl’sto Action is challengedempowerment in every way. With over 130 million girls out of school around the world, so many girls are missing the chance to envision their . At Project Soar, we know and believedreams that every Girl is . Our signature empowermentcapable program enables girls to realize their Value, Voice, Body, Rights, and Path and higher than the hurdles Soar placed in front of them. Did you know that not educating girls costs $15 to $30 trillion in lost lifetime productivity and earnings?* Our world cannot afford to miss out on the economic prospects that girls’ education and empowerment entails. By donating today, contribute to making the world you a better place by Contact Us empowering teenage girls to become Douar Laadam Caidat al Ouidane leaders of today Marrakech 40060 and tomorrow. * 2018 World Bank Report +212 665 297800 [email protected]
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