UP Warriorz Champions Education for Girls with Special WPL Match

UP Warriorz's Commitment to Girls' Education

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] - On January 13, the UP Warriorz announced a significant initiative during the ongoing Women's Premier League (WPL) season, aimed at promoting free, flexible, and lifelong education for girls.

Despite not yet scoring points in the tournament, having lost their initial matches against Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the UP Warriorz are set to host a special match on January 17 against the Mumbai Indians. This event is rooted in the belief that every girl deserves opportunities both on the field and in life, as highlighted in a press release from the team.

This initiative is part of the Warriorz's collaboration with 'Educate Girls', a grassroots organization dedicated to enhancing educational access for girls in underserved communities. The partnership aims to promote open schooling as a vital option for girls who have had to leave formal education due to various challenges.

Open schooling allows students to complete their 10th and 12th grades without the need for daily attendance, providing flexibility and affordability. This model is particularly beneficial for adolescent girls, young women, athletes, caregivers, and first-generation learners, offering them a chance to continue their education in a manner that suits their circumstances.

'Educate Girls' operates in 12 states, working to strengthen the open schooling framework and has set an ambitious goal of reaching 10 million learners in the next decade, emphasizing education as a lifelong journey rather than a one-time opportunity.

Utilizing the extensive reach of the WPL, the UP Warriorz plan to engage fans and leverage broadcast platforms to elevate this crucial conversation, transitioning from mere awareness to active advocacy.

Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, commented on the initiative, stating, 'At UP Warriorz, we recognize that sports can drive discussions that extend beyond the game. This special match embodies our belief that education should adapt to life circumstances. Through our partnership with Educate Girls, we aim to normalize the concept of second chances in education, reminding every girl that her learning journey can continue, regardless of life's challenges.'

For this match, the team will don a unique jersey designed specifically for the occasion in collaboration with renowned artist Harun Robert, also known as Rob. The jersey incorporates excerpts from handwritten letters by girls involved with Educate Girls, expressing their dreams and aspirations. This design transforms the jersey into a canvas of hope, showcasing the voices of girls on a prominent cricketing platform.

Safeena Husain, Founder and Board Member of Educate Girls, remarked, 'When girls see their dreams represented on a powerful stage like the WPL, it conveys a strong message that their voices and aspirations are significant. This partnership with UP Warriorz helps redefine education as a lifelong commitment, demonstrating that flexible and accessible second-chance programs allow learning to begin, pause, and resume at any point in a girl's life.'

Through this special match, the UP Warriorz reaffirm their dedication to leveraging sports as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring that as women's cricket flourishes, its influence extends beyond the field.