Global youthfit project

The Global Youthfit Project is a nonprofit organization that provides fitness education and instruction to children. We are currently providing a  two week program that will pair volunteer certified personal trainers with the deserving students, ages 13-18 of the Harlem International School in Accra, Ghana. Unlike in the US where children have access to educated coaches and instructors guiding them in exercise, the children in Ghana have no such resource, so we will provide these children with education and training that they can continue to use and even apply to their simple but important daily activities (e.g. like carrying bags of food or jugs of water).

On January 4, 2018, I will lead a team of volunteer personal trainers who will provide 250 students with formal instruction on the proper body mechanics used in common exercises that promote overall body health as well as physical fitness.

On day 1, the students will be taught the importance of exercise and its role in maintaining the circulatory, neurovascular and musculoskeletal systems and why improper form can cause significant breakdown in joints.

On days 2-5, for one hour each day, groups of 25 students will be instructed by a team of certified personal trainers. .Students will learn how to properly strengthen their various muscle groups with correct form without the use of weights. As weights are not readily available to these children in Ghana, students can continue this type of regimen even after the project is over.

On days 6-9, the students will apply their knowledge gained in the previous days and incorporate running, jumping and plyometric activities.

On the final day, all the students, with the help of the trainers will come together and demonstrate all that they have learned.

To make this project a reality, we need to raise these funds by August of 2017. The funds that we gather here will help offset costs to bring together the certified trainers with the students of the Harlem International School. This will include the trainers’ airfare, and will also provide fundamental equipment like resistance bands and the rental of folding chairs that are used for dips and step ups. Basic audio systems to aid in the instruction will also be rented and a local videographer will be employed to record the project. Meals and housing has already been donated to the project for the team.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I have treated many children’s injuries related to improper exercise. When children are not properly trained in exercise and sports that they do in their daily lives, it often leads to chronic conditions in adulthood. In Ghana, there is a lack of educational resources available to children on proper body movement. That is why my team and I are passionate about providing these children with education and training that they deserve and can continue to use throughout their lives and apply to their daily activities.

Through your help and generosity you are providing passionate qualified skilled professionals the privilege of providing these children with a once in a lifetime opportunity and for that we are deeply grateful.