"I stopped being as shy as before, and my self-confidence has increased”.

Aya Abu Assi, a student at Muscat Al-Tuffah School, participated in the Hope Project, which was implemented by Palestine Sports for Life in partnership with Generation Amazing, Qatar Charity, Qatar Funds for Development, and the Ministry of Education.

This is what Aya has to say about her success in the program:

I heard about the program from my teacher Nihal inside the school. I was surprised because it's about football, and we girls don't play football. The game I mostly play is volleyball. I wanted to sign up for it, but I'm used to being alone most of the time, and I don't really like making friends, maybe because I'm very shy. Even at home, when we have guests, I don't like going out to greet them.

I was hesitant to join, but in the first meeting, the colorful uniforms caught my attention. I participated in the first session with my teacher, and I was happy to have my first participation, especially during the training sessions because they were different. At first, I didn't like mingling with the other girls during the training, and I would always stay quiet, even when my teacher discussed and encouraged us to talk.

I started looking forward to the sessions every day and was eager to know what we would do in the training. I began to talk and it was the first time I spoke in front of the girls. I was shy and my face turned red, but the girls encouraged me a lot. I started making friends and asking about my

classmates when they were absent from the sessions because I was happy with them. My teacher taught me how to make friends during the sessions, and I started enjoying playing with the girls. My confidence increased, and one of the things I loved the most was feeling safe while playing. Thank you.

Coach Nihal, says that the geographical nature of the region rejects the idea of girls playing, especially football, due to customs and traditions. This was a significant factor for girls; Especially Aya, who was very shy, not initially fitting in the sessions.

This shyness sometimes hindered their interaction within the group due to their reserved nature. I noticed this because she didn't initiate any activities. I was always eager to integrate her from the beginning into the small groups to help her assimilate. Aya began to adapt after a period of sessions, and her interaction became evident. She started to enjoy talking with the other girls and wanted to participate with them, and she is happy now.

The sessions taught me how to make friends, and I started to enjoy playing with the girls. My confidence grew, and one of the things I loved the most was feeling safe while playing. Thank you.