For the first time in their lives, Jamila, Simane, and Sara boarded a plane alone.
Not for a vacation.
But for something much bigger: discovering their own voice, strength, and potential.
For these three young women, the ABURY Girls Gearing Up International Leadership Academy was more than just a girls leadership program. It became a space for growth, courage, and self-discovery. Through the Academy’s unique empowerment-focused curriculum, each of them stepped into the unknown and returned home seeing themselves — and their futures — differently.
Jamila: A Journey Full of Firsts
When Jamila boarded a plane for the first time, she had no idea how deeply the experience would change the way she saw herself and her future.
For Jamila, the journey to the ABURY GGU Leadership Academy was filled with firsts.
It was the first time she got an ID and a passport issued. The first time visiting Marrakech. The first time being at an airport. The first time boarding a plane. And the first time traveling to an entirely different continent on her own.
But beyond all those milestones, what stayed with her most were the people she met along the way.
During her week at the Academy, Jamila focused on two things: building genuine connections with the other girls by listening to their stories and learning about their cultures, and embracing every opportunity to learn through workshops and activities.
Looking back, she feels these moments of connection and exchange are exactly what made the experience so unforgettable.
Seeing Her Future Differently
When Jamila returned home to Sidi Ifni, she began noticing things she had never reflected on before.
She realized how many people around her had stopped dreaming bigger for themselves. Seeing that sparked something in her. A desire to encourage other young women to believe in their own potential and pursue opportunities without fear.
“Seeing how some people had no dreams and settled for so little was depressing to watch, and I started to think of how I can change that,” she shares.
Today, Jamila tries to lead by example: whether it’s encouraging her younger sister to explore new opportunities, supporting her friends in pursuing their dream careers, or sharing her story with classmates.
Through experiences with ABURY, Girls Gearing Up, and Project Soar, she found a space where she could grow into the confident and fearless young woman she is becoming.
Simane: Finding Her Voice
For Simane, attending the Leadership Academy offered more than new experiences. It gave her a glimpse into the future she hopes to create for herself in leadership and politics.
From the moment she applied until the day she arrived in Berlin, she says she never felt alone.
“The unconditional support and kindness from the ABURY and GGU teams made me feel like I was going to the safest place ever,” she says.
That sense of support gave her the confidence to fully embrace the experience, connect with others, and step outside her comfort zone.
Stepping Into Leadership
After returning home, Simane noticed subtle but powerful changes in herself.
She started taking initiative during group projects, naturally stepped into leadership roles during physics lab sessions, and encouraged other girls to pursue paths they may once have found intimidating.
But the biggest transformation happened internally.
Before receiving the scholarship and attending the Academy, Simane often felt unheard – as though her opinions carried less weight because of her age and gender.
After the experience in Berlin, that changed.
She became more confident in expressing herself and trusting her own voice. And in turn, people around her began listening differently.
Sara: A Journey Within
When Sara applied for the scholarship at just 14 years old, she wasn’t only looking for adventure.
She was searching for a deeper understanding of herself — outside the familiarity of home and daily routines.
For her, it was often the smallest moments that left the biggest impact.
“When we first arrived in Berlin, everyone was smiling, joking, and being spontaneous to make us feel less shy,” she recalls. “It made me feel really welcome and safe.”
These simple gestures created an atmosphere where the girls could truly be themselves from the very beginning.
A Sisterhood Beyond Borders
One of Sara’s most memorable experiences was the cultural exchange night, where each girl shared traditions from her own background and culture.
“Seeing girls expressing themselves in their cultural clothing, being unapologetically their true selves, showed me how people can celebrate each other with pride and joy,” she says.
For Sara, the experience became a turning point.
“Going to the ABURY GGU Academy was a way to prove to myself that I’m capable of doing anything I want in life. Even though it was scary to travel alone, it taught me that the experiences that seem the most frightening are often the ones that teach you the most.”
3 Girls, 3 Transformative Journeys
Although their stories are different, Jamila, Simane, and Sara share something deeply meaningful: each of them stepped beyond what once felt familiar and returned home seeing themselves differently.
Whether it was learning to lead, inspiring others, or discovering new confidence within themselves, their journeys show how powerful it can be when girls are given the space to grow, connect, and dream bigger.
Now imagine what becomes possible when more girls are given that same chance – not just to travel, but to grow, to lead, and to discover who they truly are.
By supporting programs like the ABURY GGU International Leadership Academy, you can help make these opportunities accessible to more girls around the world. Whether through donations, partnerships, or simply spreading the word, every contribution plays a role in shaping the next generation of confident, empowered young women.
