Shoot to Score for 500 Children in Northern Kenya

There was a build of the game and each team prepared separately. The biggest trophy is that of being the most peaceful team on and off the pitch. Here in Gar Qarsa Primary school one elder stood out for us all he formed his own team mixing both girls and boys as is required. He coached them even when he has never watched a game of football leave alone playing. Elder Galm is the old generation who cursed when he saw girls lifting their legs but after working with HODI for 6 years now he is a Gender Equality Champion.

What we needed was to create a connection between the head and the heart; he accepted the change but we shared data and the different cases studies of how football is transforming lives and livelihoods. Also sharing why men and women have to be on the same page, seat under the same tree where decisions are made with social – economic and cultural benefits.  As men see the challenges faced by women in their lives and in their communities.

They know they have the ability to influence or change the status quo. Often, action starts on a small scale. Through the appointments they make, through their trust and respect for women and through the opportunities they make available or support. For Elder Galm it started with initiating the first ever mixed team through a collective effort and small little actions bringing to life an opportunity for girls and boys to be equal not just on the field but off the field too in real life. Elder Galm is a living legend and an example to be emulated as a champion of SDG Goal 5 through our shoot to score for gender equality.

Links:

• The HODI Website