The Stars Academy in Gaza offers girls living in the war-torn area a chance to learn and play basketball.<br /><br />This course also provides empowered female athlete courses, mental toughness and leadership training.<br /><br />Eman Abu-Shammala, a 15-year-old student, says: "I came here with a goal. I wanted to master basketball because I dream to be a professional player with clubs outside Gaza if I get the chance."<br /><br />Her 16-year-old colleague, Amina Naser, said that basketball teaches her a lot. She said this type of sport helps with everyday life: "It is not only a sport or a game but also teaches me how to deal with people and arrange my life and time."<br /><br />Founder of the academy, Ibrahim Skaik, said the academy aims to highlight the role of females in the society, in addition to developing the girls' basketball skills.<br /><br />"We also hope to represent Palestine in the future in basketball tournaments. We want to make achievements through our students."<br /><br />More than 70 girls aged between 4 and 20 are currently enrolled in the academy.
