Maine Youth Empowerment Services (MEYES) was established in response to the enthusiasm of a group of young females who were eager to engage in sports and a variety of recreational activities. These teenage girls, initially constrained by cultural beliefs that dictated sports were predominantly for boys while girls were relegated to household chores, began to question the societal norms that limited their participation. Among them were Habiba Ahmed and her friends, all aged 12, who courageously approached their parents to discuss these inequities.
During a candid conversation, the girls expressed their frustrations, asking, “Why are we girls not allowed to play sports? Only boys get to have fun while we stay indoors.” They highlighted the restrictive nature of their daily routines, citing a researcher’s recommendation that teens aged 17 and under should limit their screen time to just two hours a day. The girls pointed out the dilemma this posed: “During our break, what are we supposed to do? How can we release our energy? Staying inside is so boring!” Their heartfelt questions caught their parents off guard, leading them to realize that kids crave active and social experiences just as much as they enjoy their devices.
The parents, taken aback yet motivated by their children’s passionate plea for change, decided to take action. They connected with other like-minded parents to brainstorm and organize activities that would provide the youth with opportunities for enjoyment and personal growth. As a result of their collective efforts, Maine Youth Empowerment Services officially launched in October 2023, after many parents worked diligently to identify suitable programs tailored to their children’s needs and interests.
The initiative aimed to create a platform where young people could voice their preferences and participate in activities they found engaging. Through a series of discussions and youth-centered forums, the children were able to collaborate with adult facilitators to choose from a diverse array of sports and physical activities. The programs that MEYES ultimately offered were designed not only to promote physical health but also to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the participants.
With each season, MEYES was committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and empowering experiences for youth, enabling them to step out of conventional roles and embrace their potential in sports and beyond. Through this initiative, the girls and their peers found a supportive space where they could thrive, explore their interests, and redefine the narrative around girls' participation in sports.