ENHANCE GIRLS ENROLLMENT IN SCHOOL AND SPORT

Reporting Period: July – September 2025

Rural Sports Foundation (RSF), based in Petauke, Zambia, continues to empower girls and young women through sports and life-skills activities under our Enhancing Girls’ Inclusion in School & Sport program. Despite financial challenges, we have remained committed to creating safe spaces for girls to learn, play, and grow.

A Story from the Field

Each week, 68 girls gather on the dusty football ground in Petauke. Among them is Mary (name changed), a 14-year-old who dreams of becoming a teacher. She told us, “When I play football, I forget the problems at home. Here, I feel free.” Her story reflects the hope and confidence that RSF’s activities bring, even when resources are limited.

Key Highlights

• 16 girls remain in school with RSF’s support, where we monitor their progress and encourage academic success.

• 68 girls participate in weekly football activities as part of our EGISW program. These sessions not only build sports skills but also provide safe spaces for social connection, mentorship, and conversations around health and wellbeing.

• Football continues to serve as a vital community hub where girls gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Challenges

• Limited fundraising success: Over the last quarter, our GlobalGiving fundraising has faced challenges. Very little has been raised, and due to limitations with our rural local bank, RSF has not yet been able to receive funds from abroad.

• Resource shortages: As a result, program activities were scaled down. We maintained the most essential activities but could not expand or introduce new initiatives as planned.

Way Forward

We remain determined to overcome these barriers. RSF is actively exploring new partnerships, support networks, and improved banking channels to enable smooth receipt of funds. Even with minimal resources, we are ensuring that the girls we serve continue to access safe spaces and opportunities for growth.

We are grateful to all supporters who continue to believe in this work. Your contribution, no matter the size, directly impacts the lives of girls in rural Zambia. Together, we can ensure that more young women are empowered to reach their full potential.