01/12/2024
JETS Squash held the official launch of the Girls Squash Can program, a study and squash community program at Hematime Fitness in Milperra on Tuesday 26th November. This groundbreaking initiative is a collaborative effort with Mahjabeen Siddique, a passionate advocate for refugees and culturally diverse communities, and a teacher at Miller Technology High School.
The Girls Squash Can program is aimed at girls from non-English speaking backgrounds and recent arrivals to Australia; many attend Intensive English Centre (IEC) classes which prepares them for mainstream high school.
The program was Mahjabeen’s brainchild inspired by what she has seen overseas, and JETS Squash brought it to life with the support of a local sports grant and numerous volunteers. This is an 8-week, one day a week afterschool program providing approximately 45min of study support and 45min of learn-to-play squash. This program started in Term 4 2024.
A Current Affair visited during the launch to film a story, conducting interviews with Mahjabeen, Michelle Martin, 2 girls from the program Sofia and Sabrina, and myself. We will share the air date as soon as it’s confirmed.
The atmosphere during the launch session was incredible, with everyone, including the girls and our guests, deeply inspired by the program's energy and impact.
We were excited to host several distinguished guests who came to support the launch:
Kylie Wilkinson MP: Presented Yan with a copy of her parliamentary speech praising this fantastic community initiative. Kylie even brought her joggers and had a hit with Michelle and the girls.
Michelle Martin: Squash legend and former World No. 1, who enthusiastically coached the girls and shared her thoughts with A Current Affair.
Jenny Lawrence: Deputy Principal, Miller Technology High.
Casey Bertucci: Sports Coordinator, Miller Technology High.
Daniel Condie: President, Bankstown Sports Club.
Michael Hanratty: Sports and Community Partnership Manager, Bankstown Sports Club.
Emmy Lamb: Australia’s top-ranked junior girl, who has been coaching the girls for 2 weeks, and she is a big hit with the girls.
Sosaia and Maddie Hema: Owners of Hematime Fitness, who have been incredibly supportive in making this program possible.
Big thank you to our dedicated tutors and coaches. These wonderful individuals include Saima Haqq, Ammarah Rahmani, Ayesha Khan, Charlotte Jeffs, Fatimah Khan, Jameel Khan, Sarah Nelson, Rema Muniandy, and others whose passion and commitment have been the backbone of this program’s success.
With 26 girls registered and an average of 17 attending weekly, the turnout has far exceeded our expectations. This entire term has created lasting memories as working with these young girls and their energy for the program plus the dedication from the volunteers is truly remarkable.
We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve so far. We have a vision to continue this program throughout 2025 and beyond, and to also replicate this program across Sydney. The photos tell the story of fun, joy, friendship, camaraderie and energy that define this initiative.
If you would like to be involved or provide funding please let me know!