By Adam Burgess | Project Leader
We have recently been lucky enough to have the chance to return (with more One World Futbol's) to Marsabit in Northern Kenya. Coaches Across Continents worked with some of the inspirational leaders at HODI Africa in this remote rural area of Kenya recently. Thanks to the generous donations of many of the project contributors HODI received some One World Futbols over the course of the last 18 months. We are delighted to report that those balls, now a year old, are still going strong and are an integral part of HODI's work in the community as you can see from the photos!
HODI work with some of the thousands of disadvantaged youth in Marsabit—one of the most underserved areas in Kenya. HODI was registered as an NGO in 2007. The organization has since grown to be the voice of championing peace and development in Marsabit through advocacy, education, community cohesion (through soccer) and livelihood support programs. In particular their key program in 13 schools helps adolescent girls break the silence on issues that affect them through a network of peers who share information on life skills and create a safe space for girls to learn from each other.
All HODI sports activities take place on dirt pitches in the area. As part of this campaign, HODI has been given many ultra-durable One World Futbols to play sport and educate youth. As demonstrated by the originals still being in use these balls have transformed HODI's programming. These balls have lasted far longer than any expensive regular ball HODI had previously. This money saving is great for them as they can use the money on other educational materials. It also saves tiresome trips to buy more balls and provides a great story for the youth.
In addition to using the ultra-durable balls with their sports programming, HODI also partnered with Coaches Across Continents on a project which provides the community leaders with the tools to create their own women's rights policies. In an area like Marsabit where religion, tradition and culture play a key role in norms it is important that there are passionate and determined leaders ready to stand up to harmful practices such as gender based violence. Over the last 5 years CAC's work with HODI has educated hundreds of coaches about addressing this and other local issues on the sports field.
All of this impact is only possible thanks to your generous donations to the campaign. We greatly appreciate your support and desire to get One World Futbols to the communities and children who need play most. Anything you can do to create awareness about this campaign—telling your friends and family, sharing the campaign on your social media channels, etc.—would help more youth in some of the most underprivileged regions. Once again, we thank you on behalf of these communities.
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