Boatot
The Equalizer
Field: Informal Education
Requested sum: $25,719
33% of total budget
Location: Kiryat Gat, Shafir, Lachish
// About the Organization
The Equalizer bridges social gaps through six different sports-education programs. Reaching 10,000 young people across 127 municipalities, we provide a vital after-school framework for empowerment in Israel’s periphery.
// Project Description
The project reduces gender and socio-economic gaps by establishing eight all-girls soccer teams within the Partnership Region. The model integrates two weekly practices with social activities focused on women empowerment and self-esteem. To strengthen social cohesion and a sense of belonging. ‘Boatot’ hold 4 regional tournaments that bring diverse communities together. This project provides a groundbreaking framework that develops personal skills and self-efficacy.
// Project Goals
The purpose of the project is to use sports to empower girls and build their self-confidence. The key goals include providing accessible soccer frameworks for girls, developing female leadership, improving body image and bridging diverse communities to foster a more equal and cohesive society.
// Target Population
The target population consists of approximately 120 girls between the ages of 9-14 from eight schools, who were referred to the program by the school’s staff based on social / emotional needs. Indirect Impact: Families of the girls who receive emotional / financial support; educators of the girls who gain tools and the community who benefit from social cohesion and female empowerment.
// Outcomes
Short-term outcomes include creating eight soccer teams, with at least 60 sessions per team, and 4 regional tournaments. Long-term outcomes include higher levels of school attendance and a sense of belonging, improved self-perception and agency and cultivating respect and tolerance among diverse groups in the region.
// Project Timeline
Expected timeline: July-Aug 26: Impact, evaluation and learning from previous cycles. Sep-Oct 26: Staff recruitment, school coordination and forming teams. Nov 26-June 27: At least 60 weekly sessions, 4 regional tournaments and final reports.
// Budget Sustainability
The Equalizer aims to increase local funding annually to reduce donor dependency. The organization’s model counts on partnerships with municipalities and schools, covering 33%-40% of costs, bolstered by core donors committed to social and geographical periphery projects.
The funding is a vital anchor for the Equalizer’s collaborative model. If the full amount is not granted, the organization will have to reduce the number of teams in the Partnership accordingly, as it impacts the organization’s ability to sustain the program's activity scope.
// Project establishment status
The program has operated in the Partnership Region for years. The organization’s annual launch includes coordinating with local authorities, mapping relevant schools, engaging principals and establishing ‘Boatot’ teams based on identified community needs.