At PAL, we believe that mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for transformation. Beyond academics and athletics, our mentorship programs are tailor-made to guide children through life’s challenges, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and values they need to thrive.
We do this through cohort-based mentorship programs that combine workshops, practical learning, and one-on-one guidance. Two of our flagship initiatives are the Yaa Asantewaa Girl Empowerment Program (YAGEP) and the Boys in Growth Program (BIG).
YAA ASANTEWAA GIRL EMPOWERMENT
PROGRAM (PAL-YAGEP)
Launched in 2019, PAL-YAGEP empowers adolescent girls to overcome societal barriers, embrace leadership, and unlock their potential. Each year, 15 girls from underserved communities are selected for a six-month program of workshops, skill-building, and mentorship.
HOW PAL-YAGEP WORKS
- Workshops (1st Saturday of each month): Covering topics such as gender equality, health, gender-based violence, and women in technology.
- Skill Development (2nd Saturday of each month): Focused on leadership, financial literacy, career pathways, and critical thinking.
- Mentorship: Each girl is paired with a mentor who provides continuous guidance.
- Graduation: Celebrating achievements while preparing participants to mentor the next cohort.
Core Focus Areas
1. Knowledge of Self – Helping girls understand their identity, challenge stereotypes, and develop self-awareness.
2. Empowerment – Building critical life skills in leadership, financial literacy, health, and decision-making.
3. Confidence – Encouraging girls to express themselves, take up space, and pursue education and career goals boldly.
“Through PAL-YAGEP, we are not just changing lives. We are shaping the future of gender equality, one empowered girl at a time.”.
Our Commitment
PAL-YAGEP has already supported multiple cohorts of young women, with the 4th cohort launched in 2025. Through this program, we are raising a generation of confident, skilled, and empowered girls ready to lead their communities into a more inclusive future.
BIG SISTER PROGRAM
A unique wing of YAGEP, the Big Sister Program pairs each participant with a mentor who acts as a guide, chaperone, and safe space. Big Sisters attend programs with their mentees, provide one-on-one support, and stay connected through regular check-ins. Over the six-month journey, this bond fosters accountability, friendship, and growth. Each cycle concludes with an evaluation and a graduation ceremony celebrating the girls’ achievements.
Brothers in Growth (BIG) Empowerment Program
In many of the communities we serve, boys face daily pressures that can push them toward harmful paths I.e gambling, alcohol use, unsafe sexual practices, and dropping out of school. The Brothers in Growth Empowerment Program (BIG) was created to provide boys with safe spaces, positive role models, and the tools to make healthier choices for their future.
BIG is a six-month mentorship program where each boy is paired with a trained “Big Brother.” These mentors serve as guides, chaperones, and safe spaces; attending sessions together, checking in regularly, and building trust. Through this close relationship, boys are supported to build resilience, self-discipline, and confidence.
- Health & Well-Being: safe sex education, contraceptive awareness, personal hygiene, and nutrition.
- Mental & Emotional Growth: emotional intelligence, stress management, and positive masculinity.
- Academic & Social Development: leadership skills, school engagement, and building strong peer relationships.
At the end of each cycle, boys graduate from the program, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and mentorship support to thrive as responsible young men.
BIG mirrors the success of our Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Empowerment Program (YAGEP), ensuring that both boys and girls receive the guidance and safe spaces they need to make healthy life choices and build brighter futures.