GlobalGiving.org: Education & Football lifeskills to 300 children

Best Moments

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:21:49 GMT

As part of our end year evaluation, we ask the beneficiaries to express their best moments and feelings . These are some of the expressions we got from them as they said it:

Kezia Khisa – I didn’t expect to cooperate with others. I had expected to join a school near my home but TYSA helped me to get school and a boarding far from home.

Janet Mokeira- I have gone out for tournaments and even entered a boat.

Peter Kilare- I am happy to join a soccer academy and playing with players in Kenyan premier league.

Faith Nasimuyu- I have been trained as a referee and as a girl which I didn’t expect and also I won my scholarship award which was paid in my school, am happy.

June Chepkoech- If it were not this organization I could have not been where I am. I have gone to Mombasa and trained as a referee, I can now confidently officiate any game.

Beckham –I am happy that I shook hands with Gold medalist Wilson Kipketer in the East Africa Cup Moshi Tanzania

These were some for the best moments as shared by the beneficiaries.

We want to thank you for your great contribution that ensured the beneficiaries received the best support they could. We are planning to take a the Girls Soccer Team to play Kenya National Girls Team as part of their preparation to play world Cup Qualifies in Nairobi. We need US$ 400 for this trip which will also be educational for them.

Holiday Well Spent!

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:45:46 GMT

As shared in our last report, we did organize the December Holiday Play sessions which was to mark the 10th anniversary of our organization. This brought all the programs, stakeholders and partners together. This was one of the most exciting activities that TYSA has organized in the recent past. It was an event that lasted for 10 days with all excitements. Over 1500 youth and community members participated in the celebrations.

As outlined; December Holiday Play and Mentorship Activities, junior mentorship Camp for under 14 years children including those with disability, Keeping My Dream Alive camp for vulnerable girls, and Play and learn Tournament for youth above 15 years and computer sessions were all organized. Junior mentorship camp brought together 110 children under 14 years from across the country. Teams came from Amani Kibera in Nairobi, ASTEP in Eldoret, SOET in Mt Elgon and the host community in Trans-nzoia County.

The children had assorted activities including life-skill sessions and health. They played 7 asi9de soccer games in a league format where each team played more than 4 games. The final league was for 11 aside where Amani Kibera Nairobi emerged triumph and carried the trophy. There was lots of fun as all children including those with disability participated in different way. Music and dance was in plenty.

One of the most memorable moments was the fact that the children who came from different ethnic communities in Kenya were hosted by families where TYSA works. This is the first time this is happening in the local community.

' I am so excited and happy that I stayed in a family who take care of me like one of their child. I will come again to visit them' Master Nyagah from Eldoret 120 girls from five organizations in Kenya that is Suba Lakers from Mbita, SEP from Oyugis, KYFA from Kisumu, Diocese of Lodwar from Turkana and TYSA.

The girls who were hosted by St. Teresa's Secondary School Sinyereri organized the training sessions and participated in the TYSA Girls We Can Soccer tournament. In the morning the girls held sessions in the school where they shared on keeping their Dreams Alive. In the afternoon, they participated in the soccer competitions which was eventually won by SEP Girls form Oyugis. The girls were so inspired during the camp. They shared freely amongst themselves. Mss Onyango Florence said from KYFA 'I would like to be a neurosurgeon so that I can help people with mental disabilities so that they can also be accepted in society where they are stigmatized' The computer classes were offered during this period and it is still ongoing for the community youth.

40 youth enrolled into the training session. They are learning basic skills to help them become more marketable in the market. The project will as form January 2012 include children under 14 years to gain the computer literacy skills at early age.

The December Holiday play brought in the senior youths aged 15 and above. 4 community teams participated in the play and learn tournament which was eventually won by Samba Boys. The youth learnt basic skills in starting business.

TYSA staff, children, youth, parents and stakeholders want to share their sincere gratitude to the donation that you made towards ensuring the celebration was a success.'On behalf of the parent committee and community council, want to thank you for your kind donation. It has made us proud in fulfilling our mandate. Your donation plus our donation ensured the children and youth get food, drink and medication during their stay here' Mr Waasare, Chairperson Community council. ' We are humbled by your kind donation and ask that you continue with this good gesture into 2012' Mss Atieno Oduor, a Girl leader and beneficiary 'We take this opportunity to wish you a successful 2012 in your endeavors. We hope you will remember and continue to make your donations to support us continue with school, computer, child protection and participation and football programs' Master Alex & Meshack, the Speaker of Youth Assembly and Junior assembly respectively

December Holiday Play

Gichuki Francis — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:34:04 GMT

‘My two daughters Knight and Grace participate in the Holiday play events organized at TYSA. This has helped them to manage their holiday time well and they learn life skills. Before TYSA set up this holiday play event, my daughters used to be idle and often conflict was the order of the day. Today, I am very happy for them as they train in the field, study computer and attend learning session at the TYSA Girls Resource Centre’’ Mum Knight

Dear Friend,

Imagine a December holiday where child labor, drug abuse and girls pregnancy are common occurrence. Children are coming back to school in January frustrated and angry because they got into a fight or were buttered by their parents or still having hangover from drug use and some of the girls will not come back because they are pregnant.

The bottom line – December Holiday wasn't fun and nobody was in a good place to learn. Not a good situation for any child, is it? For most teachers and Parents, unhappy child after Holiday means more time and effort to get their class settled down for learning.

That's why TYSA is working with the community to provide December Holiday Play and Mentorship Activities. Junior mentorship Camp for under 14 years children including those with disability, Keeping My Dream Alive camp for vulnerable girls, and Play and learn Tournament for youth above 15 years. You can give the children the opportunity to play and Learn while receiving mentorship donating to;

For the past 10 years TYSA has been partnering with rural based schools and villages in the community. We provide a full-time TYSAs' coach who uses organized games, conflict resolution tools, and our proven Plan and Learn activity to turn the playground into a virtual classroom where children learn essential life skills including teamwork, Respect, Effort, conflict resolution, and fair play.

67% of the children participating in our play and learn activities have shown great improvement in academic perform and 85% behavior change.

As you look towards the end of 2011, please consider making a $20-$100 gift to TYSA. Your gift will be put to use right away on our beneficiaries, who deserve the chance to play, learn and grow physically, emotionally and academically.

Thank you,

Gichuki Francis
Executive Director

Support Educational and Football Tour

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 20:23:17 GMT

Girls Football Team in Kisumu

Dear Friend,
We have recently used $ 400 to help our girls football team and $ 400 to take children under 16 and 13 years to East Africa Cup in Moshi Tanzania in June. Thanks to your help, the team was able to participate in the Kisumu Football Tournament in August. The team of 20 girls had an excellent outing and apart from playing had an excursion by visiting lake Victoria, the2nd largest fresh water lake in the word. Your contribution helped the Team get access to educational tour which would not be able to afford otherwise. Thank you!

In December, 20 girls football players will be visiting Moving the Goal Post Team in Kilifi Kenya for a girls football tournament . The girls will also visit the historical sites along the Kenyan coast. This is a very important football and educational tour

We shall also be hosting and Back to My Dream : Girls Soccer and Mentorship camp in December 8^th to 12^th December 2011 at the TYSA grounds.

We urgently need to raise $ 1000 to support the Girls Football team tour to Kilifi which is 1200 kilometres away from Kitale and host the ‘Back to My Dream’ : Girls Soccer and Mentorship Camp in December.

On October 19, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project! There is $100,000 available in matching funds on October 19. Once these matching funds are used, no more matching funds will be applied. In addition to the 30% match, GlobalGiving is offering a $1,000 bonus to the project that raises the most funds that day and a $1,000 bonus to the project that receives donations from the most individual donors!

Please donate to our project and support our girls’ access university education! Your help is urgently needed and much appreciated!

My Trip to Moshi Tanzania

Gichuki Francis — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:29:55 GMT

TYSA Players

The journey started on 20^th June 2011 from Kitale to Nairobi at 7:24am.

We arrived at Kitale town at exactly ten minutes past eight. From there we took Matunda bus to Nairobi. Arriving at Nairobi we went to where we were supposed to stay. The following day, we went to St Benedict Catholic church to take Kampala coach to Moshi.There, we take our breakfast in a hotel and then the buses were already waiting for us. At about 11:40 am we started our journey ending to the border Namanga.We arrived at the border in the evening finding people very congested, we had to lay on the queue for the stamping of the passports and showing of vaccination cards so that we were allowed to enter Tanzania with any doubt. We continued with our journey after finishing the logistics in the border, we had to pass through Arusha Town to reach in Moshi Town.

The journey was very long and tiresome especially for us which were the first time to tour there. It was about 1000km from the Namanga border to Moshi Town. We really enjoyed the journey hence seeing many geographically features on the way. We arrived at Moshi Technical College at around 7:30 pm in the evening finding many participating teams already there. The climate there was cool and warm which was good for the all participant up to the end of the tournament.

The major key topics taught there was as follows: Leadership and Networking/community participation; Coaching-Laws of the game,Referee,First Aid e.g. injuries prevention and treatment/sport medicines and Kicking Aids out/drugs

Other minor topics includes: Conflict resolution, Volunteerism, Youth rights e.g. fair play/justice/environment/child labour issues and interfaith dialogue. In addition comes the basic values of networking and building of cultural understanding.

These thematic areas were focused through daily seminars held during the tournament. All participants attended the seminars. Each session took 1hr 30min starting from 8:00am to 9:30am before the teams go to various fields to play. Every participant who attended the seminars got the certificate in every course attended.

Newton Kipkurui ( 12 years old)

‘Our first day of journey we traveled to Nairobi and spent night before proceeding to Moshi. We continued with our journey to Moshi the following day arriving there at 7:30pm and welcomed by our leader. We directed to our dorm and given personal effects that we will use. We played our matches without qualifying to the next round. I got opportunity to meet with former athletic Wilson Kipketer. Actually it was history to me traveling Tanzania. I thank Tysa and Globalgiving for supporting us.

That day I was very happy after the long awaited day. We were going for a trip in Tanzania (Moshi). We started our journey at 7:00am at Kitale to Nairobi by Matunda bus. It was on 20th June, 2011. We reached Nairobi and spend the night there (Baba Ndogo). Early the following day, we had breakfast and began our journey to Moshi by Kampala coach. At Namanga, we were inspected and our passport stamped, then we proceeded to Arusha and reached there at 5:00 pm. Thereafter, we arrived at Moshi safely. In the tournament, we lost all the matches. After, the finals, we came back home. I will never forget that day’.

Girls Learn their sexuality

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:25:55 GMT

Geta Secondary School emerged top in the TYSA Wasichana Tunaweza (Girls We Can) Open Soccer tournament played at the TYSA sports ground in Sinyereri over the weekend. Geta beat Kapsara 6 nil, before thrashing Bishop Muge 3 Nil. In the finals Geta beat St. Teresa Sinyereri 3 Nil. 9 secondary schools participated. Read other results attached. Cash award for goals scored within the first and last 7 minutes of the game amounted to Ksh 3000 (US$37). This cash award is to help girl’s access educational needs including sanitary pads. The tournament attracted over 300 girls who participated in the tournament. Besides football, Sexual Reproductive Health Clinic was organized where girls got information regarding their sexuality. The girls got first hand information from a doctor who answered their questions freely and candidly. "I asked questions that I could not ask my teachers in school." said a player. The girls also learned how to write short stories about their experiences and issues affecting them in the community. This was conducted by Marc of Globalgiving and Ziporah who is coordinating the story telling project in Kenya. TYSA uses storytelling to get feedback from the community and beneficiaries. Over 300 stories were collected. Once analyzed, they will help TYSA tailor its activities towards addressing the issues. Another activity that was done was a baseline survey on the needs of girls in secondary school where TYSA works. This included structured questions the girls filled in. Once this information is collected, it will also inform TYSA what programs to introduce to address critical issues affecting the girls. Together with the story telling project, a comparative analysis will be done to show the most critical issues. The tournament was attended by Marc from Globalgiving USA and students from Pittsburg University from the USA.

Support Children to Participate in East Africa Cup

Gichuki Francis — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:26:37 GMT

Boys after practice

May 9, 2011 Dear Friend

Re: Request for East Africa Cup soccer tournament Sponsorship The Trans-nzoia Youth Sports Association (TYSA) seeks support raise Ksh 112,400 (US$1405) for project support to participate in the East Africa Cup Moshi Tanzania 2011.

This project will contribute to your goals in youth development. Our organization was established in 2001 and is serving the Trans-nzoia county community targeting Children and Youth aged 8 to 24. TYSA office and resource centre at Musemwa Village- Sinyereri has enrolled 56 children and 46 youth. The organization activities are: Football, Education, Capacity Building, Girls We Can, and Children Participation & Protection. Recently we were honored by Kenya Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Trust Fund for Women Empowerment, Kenya Community Development Foundation for Outstanding Community Service and CARE USA for Youth Education Over 116 youth teams gather in Tanzania from 21st to 27th June 2011 from, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Norway for the East Africa Cup soccer tournament in Moshi Tanzania. The funds we are requesting will facilitate 27 children and youth aged 10 to 16 (Boys) and 4 adults to participate in the East Africa Cup soccer tournament for 8 days. " I am so excited. Cannot imagine that Iam traveling to Moshi in Tanzania. I lookfoward to seeing the Tallest Mountain in Africa- Mt Kilimanjaro. I do not believe it. Iam only 12 years old! God, Let it" Happen! Joseph

The following are the expected results: We expect the players shall follow the fair play code, take responsibility and learn democratic principles. This year’s tournament will hopefully be an optimal place where children and youth get HIV/AIDS information, learn about Kicking Aids Out, games, First Aid, environment, conflict resolution, interfaith dialogue, coaching, refereeing and leadership in Sport. We received contributions in-kind and volunteer staff help, in the early stages of this project. We are hoping that our project might be of interest to you as an opportunity to promote your products and company through a sponsorship arrangement. We can offer a variety of sponsorship methods to suit your budget, for example: 1. Soccer Uniforms - We require 36 pairs of uniforms at a cost of US$ 19 per pair 2. Transport- we would use our banners to display your organization in the vehicle we shall use to transport the players from Kitale to Nairobi and at the venue in Moshi. It cost US$ 18 to and from Nairobi per player. Transport to Moshi and Back to Nairobi, meals, accommodations and other facilities while in Moshi-Tanzania are catered for by the organizers. 3. Soccer boots & Sheen guards- currently the children do not have access and use of soccer boots. This project would appreciate support towards buying (including used). For US$ 20, one can buy a pair of boots and sheen guards It may be that you have other ideas that you would like to discuss with us. One of the advantages of partnering with a community based organization is flexibility and resources reach to the desired beneficiaries. Let me know your availability for a meeting online discussion with you further and to give you updates of the project progress so far.

Yours sincerely Gichuki Francis Executive Director,

Practice session

Ready for action

Girls Participate in International Tournament

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 09:32:57 GMT

For the second year running, our TYSA United Soccer girls team participated in the Mathare United International Soccer Tournament which is hosted every Easter holiday in Nairobi. The girl’s team is back from this great experience. The girls played some of the experienced teams in the Kenya women soccer league. The team won one much and lost two and bowed out of the tournament. The girls had an opportunity to interact with their peers from Nairobi and across the country. ‘I am very happy you come to Nairobi. This is my first time to get out of our little village in Kitale. I have learnt a lot especially the reproductive health and use of condom’ Faith. The tournament provided a chance for the girls to travel and learn. As students, the girls use the chance to reflect on the theory they get in class with the practical and more tangible experiences. ‘ I saw parliament, traffic lights, major business in the city centre and the awesome Great Rift Valley’ June TYSA United Girls Team Captain Pascilia is very grateful for your Kind Donation. ‘ I want to pass our thank you message to all those who have donated through Globalgiving. Without your great donation, we could not have participated in this event and learnt more’ Pascilia The kind donation was able to pay transports for 21players at US$ 24 per player and US $ 6 per player for meals per day for 4 days. The host organization provided accommodation for the team. We however had a misfortune as the team travelled back to Kitale form Nairobi. The bus they were travelling in was hijacked by thugs. Some girls were injured and one is still hospitalized with gun shots wound. She is in stable condition and will be discharged soon. Girls’ personal effects including clothing, shoes were stolen. As an organization, we are committed to raising funds to pay for the hospital bill and support the girls to replace their lost items. The girls’ come from poor families who cannot be able to replace the items and pay medical bills. We hope to raise US$ 350 to support this initiative. It is our conviction that this bad experience will not deter girls from participating in their own development. ‘ We are strong and we shall continue to participate and when we get to position of power in future, we shall use this experience to advocate for better security measures to ensure all Kenyans are safe’ Irene (Assistant Team Captain).

impressive 2010 and a good start for 2011

Gichuki Francis — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 11:38:07 GMT

Girls joining school

It was an impressive 2010 and a good start for 2011.

The football and life skill project serves 79 children and youths in Trans-nzoia County. The last quarter of last saw a lot of life skill training and value based sporting.

In December last year (9th to 14^th), TYSA hosted over 200 girls who participated in the tournament from across the country. The tournament offered opportunity for the girls to learn vital skills and attitudes. These included; teamwork as they all stayed in the same camp, and endurance in life.

Last year, we had 17 pupils seating for their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. Out of these, 10 were boys and 7 were girls. We are very excited as the results demonstrated that sports /football contribute to academic performance. Only 2 boys did not qualify to join Secondary education and have so far repeated in primary school to score better points.

Last week, the following girls joined secondary school: Betty Caudencia, Janet Mokeira, Elizabeth Apondi, Irene Khasandi, Josephine Namalwa, Keziah Musikoyo and Elibatheth Njeri while the boys are: Anthony Ekal, Hosea Mosbei, Ignatius Edeke, Evans Matata, Mike Ngome and Francis.

‘Iam very happy that finally through football Iam going to a girl’s school which promotes soccer. I will play and learn in this school called Geta Secondary School’ Betty

We are equally excited that two of our students have been identified and will be joining Gallant Sports Academy to pursue their soccer talent as they also go to school at Milele Academy in Naivasha town. These are Nixon Cheres and George Nawan. We believe they will work hard to realize their dream of playing professional soccer. One other student Samwel Barasa also was identified by Friends Bwake Secondary School which is the reigning Trans-nzoia East District Soccer Champions. A goalkeeper who has grown from strengthen to strength.

‘On behalf of all the beneficiaries of this project, we want to thank you specifically for being passionate and donating to this noble cause. We are touched by your generosity’. Samwel Barasa

In April 22^nd to 26^th April this year, 22 girls footballer from TYSA will participate for the second time in the Mathare Youth Sports Association International Girl Tournament in Nairobi. Last year, our girls team finished third in the over 16 category. We believe you will find it worthy supporting this cause. It cost USD 65 per player to cover transport, meals, accommodation (4days) and first aid. We will keep you posted on the development of this tournament.

Arriving at Geta Secondary School

TYSA Education Coordinator

Girls join Male dominated Dormain

Gichuki Francis — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:36:34 GMT

June at Soccer Refeer Training

The last three months have been very eventful. 3 girls; pascalia Naloka, Beatrice Caudencia and June Chepkoech went to Moving the Goal Post Kilifi for an exchange program for a week. From their exchange program where June Chepkoech and Pascilia Naloka trained as referees, they have taken control of all the refereeing of football matches. This has enhanced the sooth running of the football activities. These two girls officiates both boys and girls match. It is evident their level of confidence has increased. Other girls have now taken keen interest in refereeing. Already 4 girls have been recruited to join refereeing. Beatrice Caudencia participated in the First Aiders course while in Kilifi. She has been active in the field responding to minor cases. This has helped the players to feel more confident as they play. The training of the referees and first aider is a milestone for TYSA. For along time, the organization operated without these vital services. During the youth camp held at Sengwer Cultural Centre, 3 girls from Moving the Goal Post and 2 from Christian Sports Contact (CRISC) participated. These offered great opportunities for the girls to learn what happens in Kilifi, Nairobi and Voi. From 10th to 13th December 2010 at the TYSA sports ground, over 200 girls from across Kenya i.e. Kilifi, Nairobi, Kisumu and Lodwar will participate in the TYSA inaugural ' Girls We Can Soccer Tournament.This is going to be a very exciting end year event. We shall keep you very posted on the development of this historic event in our organization and community. Catch up with us on facebook; tysa kenya. You have been a great sponsor of our project. We do hope you will continue to support this initiative as we plan to host the 200 girls.

Girls We Can Soccer Tournament

TYSA WINS MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AWARD

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 21:43:11 GMT

The award

TYSA WINS MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AWARD IN KENYA TYSA emerged top on Inaugural Millennium Development Goal No. 3: Promoting gender equality and empowering women. The MDGs Trust Fund Kenya was the main organizer of this event which was held on 10th September 2010 at the National Museum of Kenya. Other partners include; UNDP Kenya country office, UN Millennium Campaign, Synovate and Microsoft among others The award seeks to recognize and celebrate Kenyan institutions that are making impactful differences in the society with regards to MDGs. The spotlight was on organizations that have demonstrated outstanding and innovating efforts towards the delivery o the eight MDG goals through their core porgrammes. The award also aims to recognize significant efforts made by various institutions to advance social change through their innovations and in their different capacities to achieve the MDGs. TYSA’s ‘Wasichana Tunaweza ‘- Girls We Can Project was outstanding in the delivery the MDG; promoting gender equality and empowering women. This project seeks to eliminate gender disparity through increased accesses to educational and retention and capacity building opportunities for girls. The ‘wasichana Tunaweza’ project is well summarized by the following comments Marc from Globalgiving USA when he visited the project. "It struck me that this is about much more than soccer, or sports. This is about building up strong willed women who can lead the nation. It's about reaching for that future together, as a team. It's kind of hard for me to explain what I am seeing, because there isn't anything like it in the USA that is similar. At least not so explicitly. This is not a mere sport. Belonging to this team is about developing character and building your future. We discipline the body so that we can discipline the mind, through school. And education gives you opportunities, a future." TYSA wants to express gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who have support the girl’s project. We are humbled by your continued support which has made our work visible in Kenya.

This is a great recognition to the work TYSA is doing in helping meet the Millenium Development Goals

A student,player cum coach- Mss Atieno Inspires her school team

Gichuki Francis — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:52:59 GMT

Mss Atieno Inspires her school to second position

What a dramatic encounter it was! Two of our girls’ secondary schools which we support all made it the last four in the Trans-nzoia east district football competition held two weeks ago.

It was an exciting competition as it was all against students whom we support through TYSA. Wiyeta Girls eventually took the top position followed by Geta Girls. Veronica was the cornerstone of Wiyeta and Mss Atieno spearheaded all the attacks for Geta girls.

TYSA is proud to produce such excellent and prowess girls’ footballers through its Education and Football project. The school principals were upbeat. ‘ I am so happy that in our first attempt, our girls school football team reached the finals in our district . We beat 10 other girls team. I am overwhelmed. Iam greatful to Mss Atieno for unique talent in football.She has inspired the whole Team’ Principal, Geta secondary school.

It was all jubilations as Wiyeta and Geta Secondary schools proceeded to participate in the Regional tournament. The girls all thanked TYSA for supporting them to access education and play football. ‘I just joined school this year at Geta secondary school after being home for two years. Am so grateful to TYSA who pays my school fees and took me to Nairobi to train as a coach.I am student,a player cum coach’ Mss Atieno

It is our desire to continuing offering young people opportunity to access education and promote their football talent. This would not have been possible if you did not join us and donated. We lookfoward to your continued support.

Visitor Postcard: TYSA Girls prepare for Soccer tournament in Nairobi

Marc Maxson — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:56:44 GMT

Wasichana Tunaweza

It's taken me over a month to finally put down some words about my visit to TYSA. Gichuki does a lot for the community at large. His field and community center is a presence in a small town in rural Kenya (near Kitale). I had no doubts about the organization. It wasn't just serving the community, it was the community. People came by to use the fields at will, but TYSA requires these youths to stay in school in order to use the fields. Guchuki has held public events every month since I've visited in April. One was an annual Baraza, a meeting to share news and give thanks for the past year's good fortune. They also collected hundreds of stories from the local people as part of this event, that will soon appear online as part of the storytelling project.

Last week they held an event for Day of the African Child (June 16th). I wasn't there, but I can imagine the inspirational speeches were not unlike the ones I heard during my visit, paraphrased below (because my memory is poor).

It was the day before the girls' team was to travel to Nairobi to a soccer tournament.

"We do not just kick this ball around," Gichuki said. "We are TYSA. And we believe that kicking this thing has meaning. It it through sports that we learn discipline, and through friendly competition that we learn how to settle disputes peacefully. You have all lived through the post election violence, and you know that to be Kenyan we must all build peace together. Fair play and personal excellence is what we learn at the end of the day.

This is not a mere sport. Belonging to this team is about developing character and building your future. We discipline the body so that we can discipline the mind, through school. And education gives you opportunities, a future."

Mama Zipporah took over at this point. "Hello Girls!" she shouted. The girls responded softly. Unsatisfied, Zip again repeats her greeting until the team is fully shouting back. "Girls! I am speaking directly to you. You have heard the saying, 'yes we can!' but now we must make it our own. Wasichana Tunaweza! Girls we can! Say it with me." They smile and chant the slogan. Girls we Can. Wasichana Tunaweza. Zip points to her shirt, emblazoned with the slogan. "Always remember that. When you go to Nairobi, there will be some older boys. You must ignore them. They are not going to help you in your future. You don't need a boyfriend. If they speak to you, smile and walk away. I do not want to be hearing about any one of you coming back with family issues after this tournament. Your future is your own! We must stick together!"

It struck me that this is about much more than soccer, or sports. This is about building up strong willed women who can lead the nation. It's about reaching for that future together, as a team. It's kind of hard for me to explain what I am seeing, because there isn't anything like it in the USA that is similar. At least not so explicitly.

Yes, of course I love and endorse TYSA. I often find myself wishing I could do more to help them. The description of what they do sounds like so many other organizations, but the results seem to be extraordinary. I'll do my part to publicize their efforts. Maybe I could even get some of my friends who are school teachers to link their girls up with these girls, to be pen pals or text-message buddies. Imagine the possibility of having a larger team of girls determined to write their own future, together.

Oh, and by the way, the TYSA girls' team took 2nd or 3rd place in that tournament, beating Carolina for Kibera's team in the quarter finals.

Zipporah speaks

Links:

Great Day with TYSA

John Hecklinger — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:40:16 GMT

I spent an amazing day today with Francis Gichuki and his team. They were having a "baraza" (community meeting) complete with village elders, 200+ school kids, many volunteers, and other folks. There was a soccer tournament, volleyball, basketball, and plenty of music. TYSA also gave all attendees the opportunity to tell a story for GlobalGiving's storytelling project, and we left with over 500 stories from community members. These stories sometimes featured the work that TYSA does, sometimes they just featured something that happened in a community. I'm very excited to take this true beneficiary feedback and add it to the growing number of stories we've received from people all over Kenya. Many thanks to Francis and the TYSA team for a great day.

Schools Re-open

Gichuki Francis — Tue, 04 May 2010 08:55:10 GMT

Collins, one of the beneficiary

Over 25 students re-opened for their second term yesterday.During the briefing meeting held at the TYSA field, the students were encouraged to take their studies seriously. ' Remember there people out there who are sacrificing themselves so that you can access school' Lameck Nyandega. TYSA Education Coordinator.

Second term in secondary school is usually a ball games season. Mr Francis Ojillo, Football Coordinatir encouraged the players to take this opportunity to excell in sports.

We are grateful to your continued support which offers these students both sporting and educational opportunity. Donate that One dollar today

With Warmest Regards

Gichuki Francis

Extra study session Improving Academic Performance

Gichuki Francis — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:20:41 GMT

study session

Extra study session Improving Academic Performance Providing extra study sessions for students from poor families is proving successful. Collins is a form one student at Bwake secondary school. As an orphan, Collins has limited access to the only one lantern lamp. Once they have eaten food at 6.30PM, the little kerosene lamp is then blown off to save kerosene for tomorrow. TYSA started a Holiday study session at its Girls resource centre in April this year. For the last two weeks, 41 students have been attending this study session. They are enjoying unique facilities at the centre including electricity, two meals a day and spacious room for studying. Volunteer teachers have been teaching and coaching the students. ‘Iam very excited to be here at the study session. I have learnt a lot. I now know how to organize my study. At least here, Iam also able to have two meals unlike if I was home’ Faith By providing US$ 2 per day for per student, then you will have made it possible for the student to enjoy two meals per day and concentrate in study session whole day. Donate now ! With warm Regards Gichuki Francis

meal time

Master Eric Excells in Copa Cola Football Tournament

Gichuki Francis — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:03:18 GMT

Erick

Copa Cola is one of the football tournaments held annually in kenya for children under the age 17 to promote talents.

Master Eric is one of the Education and Football Academy beneficiariesi in Kimilili Secondary School. Duirng this year preliminary tournaments, Eruc was selected to join other players form his district.

We do hope that Eric will go far in his football world. ' Hi sis a talented defender and has very intelligent in play' Mr. Waswa, Coach Teacher.

It is through your donations that Eric has come all this far. We look foward to your continued support to enable Eric realize his dream of one day playing for Big clubs in the world and later come back home to support his poor family

With Warm Regards

Gichuki Franci

Outstanding student in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education

Gichuki Francis — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:05:14 GMT

George

Outstanding student in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education

George Waweru, nick named Beckam, scored 314, Tom 309, Flugencia 311 and Michael 329 points out of maximum of 500 points in the Kenya National Examinations 2009. TYSA is proud of this performance. ‘We are excited by this outstanding performance by the players’ Mr. Anthony, a parent.

We could not be proud were it not for your kind donations that you have continually given to support the players in the field

Parents congratulated TYSA for moulding the players both in football and education

The Education and football academy had 14 students in class 8 last year. Out of these, 4 scored above 300 marks while 5 scored above 250 while 5 scored below 250 marks.

We are taking 11 students to secondary school this year 2010. Your continued donations will be of great help for these young people to pursue their education and football career.

Make a donation now! We are raising US$ 1100 for school fees by February 2010.

With Warmest Regards Gichuki Francis

Alex

Support Leaving the World Cup Legacy in Africa

Gichuki Francis — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:55:27 GMT

World Cup for community

World Cup Legacy

I6 community football teams ages 23 and below will battle it out for the world Cup legacy cup during the world cup period in June to July 2010.

‘We want to leave and Live the world cup legacy as it is the first time ever to be played in Africa. The young people will greatly benefit from this event.’ Mr.Gichuki, Executive Director, TYSA

The 16 community teas will be named as names of the countries which will have qualified in this knock out stage. We are already in the preparation stages. In order to make this event memorable in many years to come, we have planned to a prototype World Cup Trophy (See photo attached) and purchase uniforms and print the countries which will participate.

We shall also be having a TV showing all the matches of the world cup in this little remote village

‘I look forward to this great event. Iam hoping that after winning the world cup here in my village, I shall have an opportunity one day to win it LIVE. Iam also hoping to take the world cup to the embassy of the country which we shall win for’ Nickson, 15 year old player (Nicknamed Torres)

We are appealing to your donation to make this dream a reality for the community children and youth.

With Warm Regards from TYSA Gichuki Francis

Peoples' Feed back on Harmonized Draft Constitution of Kenya

Gichuki Francis — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:55:55 GMT

250 children, girls, youth and elders directly participated in the discussions on this harmonized draft constitution. They shared with passion what they hope this constitution should contain. Children were particular about protection, medication and education. The girls want a constitution that looks at their unique needs especially reproductive health, entitlement to inheritance and access to equal opportunities.

The youth being majority in the population feels sidelined as the harmonized draft constitution only has two paragraphs which define them. They want a more presence in the constitution which also gives them at least 5% of all elective and appointive bodies.

The elders and community members were very clear about agriculture. Kenya depends on agriculture for its economy and it’s unfortunate that nothing significant is mentioned in the constitution about it. They want agriculture enshrined in the constitution. Security ranked second and they want every Kenyan security protected by the constitution.

TYSA wants Sports enshrined in the constitution. We are known worldwide as a sporting nation. It is up surd if we do not back this by an inclusion into the constitution We thank all those who contributed to this project. Globalgiving sponsors and KCDF for donating the Harmonized Draft Constitution of Kenya Copies

Attachments:

Peoples_Feed_Back_on_HDCK.doc (DOC)