In 2019 Ivan and Karitza Valencia had four daughters ranging in age from 5 to 11 years old. Aracely, their six-year-old, was a shy girl until she started dancing, which helped her confidence and improved her schoolwork. When she had to move schools, there was no dance program. Her parents started Rising Phoenix Youth Advocates so she could continue dancing.
Her parents are Ivan and Karitza Valencia, the founding members of Rising Phoenix Youth Advocates (Facebook Page). Ivan is a practicing psychologist and youth leader. Karitza is a Primary School teacher and youth leader. She is also a football enthusiast and player, currently the goalkeeper.
The dancing program was very successful and in 2020 the Rising Phoenix Female Football Club (RPFC) was added to empower girls and women through sport. The members of the club are aged 16 to 30 from Corozal and the surrounding villages. The RPFC has done very well and even represented Corozal in the Premiere Women’s National League PWLB 2023/20224.
The dancing program was very successful and in 2020 the Rising Phoenix Female Football Club (RPFC) was added to empower girls and women through sport. The members of the club are aged 16 to 30 from Corozal and the surrounding villages. The RPFC has done very well and even represented Corozal in the Premiere Women’s National League PWLB 2023/20224.
The participants in Rising Phoenix Youth Advocates are also engaged in community activities by doing the following:
- Clean up campaigns.
- Advocating for School Aid/Supply for Youth.
- Community Stone Soup for the Elderly.
In order for them to flourish, they need:
- An 18–20-seater van to transport them to the games/activities within Belize and other sites, which would cost about $20,000 BZ (US$10,000)
- Football shoes and gear. All sizes; don’t need to be new.
- Sewing machines and teachers to teach the girls to make their own costumes.
- School Supplies.
However, all this is only possible with the help of donors!
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