By Dustin Alarid | Director of Communications
At Soccer Without Borders (SWB) Uganda, we operate year-round programs, activities, and events designed to ensure that the refugee and newcomer youth we serve are rarely without opportunities to play, learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential through soccer, education, and community building. While the previous few months have produced far more inspirational moments than could possibly be listed here, we would like to leave you with a few of our favorite highlights from SWB Uganda:
English Literacy Program
Education stands as one of three core pillars of SWB programming. Serving nearly 5,000 newcomer, refugee, and immigrant youth each year, we recognize the vital role that language plays in the pursuit of inclusion, growth, and personal success.
SWB Uganda’s Refugee Youth Center is designed to provide language development opportunities for local refugee and newcomer youth. In addition to soccer, community building, and other activities, the Youth Center (based in Uganda’s capital of Kampala) offers free-of-cost access to educational activities and programs to over 500 youth each year.
In September, more than 215 youth participants came to the Refugee Youth Center to complete their end-of-semester examinations ahead of a Uganda School Holiday. Not only were these assessments a fantastic opportunity for our youth to measure their own strengths, weaknesses, and overall learning progress, it was also a valuable source of feedback to our instructors.
The 8th Annual Kampala Girls League
The eight edition of the Kampala Girls League kicked off in late August. The league is designed to be a space where girls, both beginners and experienced players alike, have the opportunity to participate in soccer matches, build their skills, grow together as teammates, increase their self-confidence, and much more.
During the closing ceremonies for this latest edition of the Kampala Girls League, we celebrated the achievements of 36 community and grassroots teams that participated over the three week league. We also had the privilege of being joined by a special guest from the local community, Doreein Keita, the Makindye Deputy Resident City Commissioner.
SWB Uganda Featured in the Local News
“Forced to flee their homes due to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they found themselves on foreign soil. However, with Soccer Without Borders (SWB), they found more than just shelter; they discovered a family that spoke the universal language of football.” -George Katongole, Daily Monitor
At SWB, we are committed to empowering young people through the power of soccer, the world’s universal language. Through our year-round, trauma-informed programming, we are able to utilize the global game to positively impact the lives of thousands of young people each year. It doesn’t end there though, we also cherish every opportunity to be an inspiration to the wider communities we serve.
Back in September, SWB Uganda was featured in one of Uganda’s largest daily publications, the Daily Monitor. The article, featured in the newspaper’s print and online editions, was titled “Soccer Without Borders Scores Goals of Hope for Refugee Children” and took a deep dive into our work, the importance of having positive role models, and how soccer has the power to build community and create a sense of belonging.
Celebrating the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child
Twelve years ago, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, a day recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face around the world.
At SWB, we believe that investing in girls creates positive effects that reverberate throughout the course of her life, as well as in her family and community. Research consistently demonstrates that girls who play sports improve academically, make healthier choices, and show increased positive body image and self-confidence.
To celebrate and commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, over 250 youth participants gathered at SWB Uganda to spend time reflecting upon many of the challenges girls face such as education disparity, limited access to healthcare, few opportunities for recreation, economic inequality, gender-based violence, and more. This time together was not only a chance to discuss and reflect upon many important topics, it also provided an opportunity for the young men and boys in our programs to learn about the importance of allyship and why we must all stand in solidarity with the women and girls in our lives.
SWB Uganda Families Engage in a Parent Workshop
In November, SWB Uganda held the latest edition of our parents' engagement workshop. It was a major success with over 94 parents and guardians in attendance!
The participation, feedback, and input of parents and guardians is an essential way to ensure that our SWB programs and activities remain authentic, trauma-informed, and reflective of those we serve.
Not only that, but parent workshops also provide a way for newcomer and refugee parents to learn important safeguarding information while forming a valuable network of support with one another as well as the local community.
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