The economical, political and social climate in Jordan highly impacts the youth of our generation, particularly those living in underprivileged communities. As many face issues within their households and their social surroundings, key components related to child development takes the back burner.

In an attempt to alleviate some of these issues, PACES (Palestine Association for Children’s Encouragement of Sports) has developed a community sports-based programme with underprivileged and marginalised communities residing in Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon The programme, which includes football, basketball and volleyball, is used as a tool for child empowerment and supports social, emotional and physical development. Additionally, this approach serves as a means to encourage and improve communication and teamwork by reinforcing the concept of inclusion and respect.

I have chosen to support PACES due to their gender equality programme, which requires 50% of their participants, including children and coaches, to be female. To ensure longevity in their participation, they have created an initiative that provides a safe space which caters to social and cultural norms that usually prevent girls from participating in sports after a certain age.

In an attempt to fundraise for the Jordanian programme and spread awareness about this cause, I will be participating in the Everest Marathon on the 29th of May, 2019. The world’s highest marathon will start with a 12 day hike to Everest Base Camp (race starting point) and will end with a full marathon (42 km) decent to Namche Bazaar.

As a Jordanian- Palestinian woman, and first ever Jordanian to participate in this race, I dedicate it to all the young girls and women in our community, since “there is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”