Highlights from 2019-2022 include working with nearly 750 girls and non-binary kids, developing a documentary, and receiving a visit from Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.

 In the time since its founding on 13 June 2019, Project Fearless has experienced rapid growth in size and impact of the organisation. Our one-of-a-kind after-school courses encourage kids to explore outside of their comfort zones, and to try, fail, brush it off and try again! Courses ranging from Skateboarding and Kickboxing to Climate Science and Entrepreneurship introduce girls to coaches who become accessible role models for them, inspiring them to pursue whatever path they choose in life. 

In honour of three incredible years, we’re looking back at some key milestones. We can’t wait for the next 30! 


Milestone 1: First 30 girls, Fearless pioneers

The first fearless cohort started in 2019, with three after-school programs designed to help empower girls: Mind & Movement Lab, Design for Social Impact, and Skateboarding. We created welcoming spaces for learning, exploration and creativity, kick-starting a brand-new concept in the Netherlands.  “I feel like I can be myself here. I don’t get embarrassed like I do at school. And it feels good to be myself,” said one of our first Fearless girls. 

“Three years later, some of those pioneering 30 girls still love coming back to our courses! We’re grateful for their fearless energy, helping us shape the programs we have today. I’m most proud that two of our first Fearless girls are now aged 15 and in our Teen Mentor Program. It’s amazing to see them continue to grow and give back in leading the next generation of Fearlessers,” says Project Fearless founder, Mérida Miller. To date, we have welcomed 747 girls and non-binary kids to our courses. 



Milestone 2: ‘How To Be A Roll Model’ skate video 

Photo by DOP - Marina Coenen. Watch the 6 minutes of skate & smiles here.

Made by girls, with girls, for girls, the 2020 how-to video filled the void of skate content featuring accessible role models. Created by a female and non-binary team headed by director Al Lewis, the film put the Fearless girls at the centre of their skateboarding story. They gained hands-on insights into professional filmmaking and learned from relatable role models throughout the creative process. “I think I’m gonna leave Project Fearless with a lot more confidence. And, of course, some new tricks!” said Anna, a Roll Model. Premiering in Europe and screened in Australia and the USA, the film’s message of encouragement to take up space and explore new-found confidence reached girls far beyond Amsterdam! 


As another Roll Model put it: “Project Fearless is so much more than a bunch of girls meeting up to skateboard. It’s a team of strong women that accept and love each other, no matter what skin colour, religion, or size.”





Milestone 3: Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex joins Entrepreneurship course as guest coach

Earlier this year, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex joined our first Entrepreneurship course as a guest coach. The 8-week program gave 14 girls hands-on insights into business fundamentals, learning from a range of female entrepreneur role models and exploring the ‘fail early, fail often’ growth mindset that’s key for innovation. 

Photo credit - Chris Allerton.

“Safe, supportive spaces like Project Fearless allow girls the opportunity to express themselves, build each other up, gain resilience, and tackle new challenges,” said Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, a supporter of women-led initiatives and co-founder of Archewell. During her visit, she gave the girls inspiring and encouraging feedback on their sustainable business pitches, and enthusiastically joined in with a group exercise on facing fears.


Hearing such honesty from a figure many have long looked up to, but never imagined they would meet, was the experience of a lifetime for the girls. Meesha, age 12, said: “​​I can't believe she shared her fears with me. For the rest of my life, if I'm ever scared or anyone ever makes me feel little, I'm gonna think 'Whatever, you got this. Meghan said so!’” 

Hearing about Myrtle’s (age 15) aim to become a Project Fearless Teen Mentor, The Duchess encouraged her, sharing her experience of mentoring younger kids as a teen. As Myrtle put it, “I have learnt about how important it is to be true to who you are and have confidence in that. To be fearless and to teach others that as well.” 

“The Duchess’ visit was a brilliant way to celebrate the impact Project Fearless has made over the last three years, showing the girls truly accessible role models who are making a difference and using their voice,” says Project Fearless founder, Mérida Miller. 


What’s next for Project Fearless?: Expanding our courses and launching a book to empower more girls

We are so proud of our continued growth, from our movement and sports programs to collaborations creating opportunities for girls to break through glass ceilings. 

Our next major goal is to establish a Project Fearless Clubhouse in Amsterdam: a permanent hub for all our girls, enabling them to get the most out of their time on our programs. To raise funds for this project, we are releasing a book featuring our signature ‘Anonymous Notes of Support’. Writing these notes enables the Project Fearless girls to create a culture of supporting each other without fear of their own success being limited.

Why? Society can pressurise girls and women to compete against their peers for success, perpetuating the idea that there’s only room for one to succeed. Now, these ‘Anonymous Notes of Support’ are travelling from the girls and kids of Project Fearless to the wider world, spreading the non-profit’s empowering message! 

The book is available for public pre-order from 13 June!

 

Further to establishing our Clubhouse, we aim to bring Project Fearless to more cities in the Netherlands in 2023, expanding our reach to make a big impact beyond Amsterdam.