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October 1, 2021
We are currently accepting entries for the fifth annual Courageous Use of Sport Award presented by WWE. In celebration, we are catching up with past winners to give us an update on their important community work, and to provide words of wisdom for those applying to this year’s award. This week, we spoke with 2020 Courageous Use of Sport Award winner Marian Crisley A. Yman (Yman) from the Philippines.
Yman is a community football coach for the global non-profit FundLife International which works to alleviate poverty with a focus on keeping kids in school. Its Girls Got This program, the organization harnesses the power of play to provide adolescent girls with safe spaces to gain confidence, further their education, learn about their rights and take advantage of employment opportunities.
An aspiring cardiologist, Yman has been focusing on her studies and trying to continue her coaching sessions. “I dream of becoming a doctor, so I really want to do well with my studies. I am also spending more time with my family, especially now we’ve had to adjust to the health protocols in our community.”
Although the Philippines has recently eased lockdown restrictions in the capital of Manila, there has been a record number of infections, with the coronavirus straining the already income pressured region. Because of the health concerns, coaching and youth mentoring have been extremely tough.
“Children have not been to school for 17 months, which has been a challenge for many, especially those who do not have the adequate means to join online classes. This makes modular learning even more difficult,” shared Yman.
Many children’s participation in school has either been halted by their parent’s fear of COVID-19 or their lack of internet connectivity and devices. As a result, FundLife changed its strategy and now engage children through small group, community-based sessions. These sessions hold 15 students and enables them to learn through face-to-face play-based activities. And, in a bid to combat the lack of electronic devices and make those now learning in a new set-up comfortable, FundLife is producing video materials that tackle the issues and challenges youth are now experiencing.
Yman noted that in addition to providing psychosocial support to youth, a targeted focus on more online programming classes for the most vulnerable adolescent girls in Cebu is underway. “We have currently distributed over 750 ‘Safe and Learning’ packs and organised mentorship sessions for adolescent girls who are more at-risk due to the challenges this pandemic has brought us.
She is very thankful to have won an award last year, saying that it not only inspired her to do better in providing support to empower youth, but it also motivates activist youth like her.
Yman encourages leaders and youth who are helping vulnerable sectors to apply for the 2021 award, and to try and stay positive and focused on our mental health during these tough times. “Youth are the hope of the future. Continue to pursue coaching and mentoring them about their rights. Equip them with the skills they need to become resilient.”
Entries for the 2021 Courageous Use of Sport Award are being accepted through October 15. Click here to apply.
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