Shoot to Score for 500 Children in Northern Kenya

There were times it was almost illegal to have girls being seen outside home or school. The place of girls is in the kitchen immediately after completing primary school. Through the balls purchased through your generous contribution; girls in Marsabit can not only be seen outside but they are able to kick the ball and play football with a passion. January 14 - 15 was a life changing event, as one girl put it....."I never expected to be able to play outside in the main Marsabit Stadium; today is a great experience for me and other girls in future".

HODI Girls Championship was one of its kind, the first ever to be held for girls only. More than 16 teams had initially registered with 2 of them pulling out at the last minute due to threats and fear. 12 of the teams went on to play the football which was accompanied by football skills and also life skills. They learnt from basics of ball shooting; passing; dribbling among other skills. While in life skills it was surely a moment that many will miss as it came so close to the heart of many participating girls ranging from teen pregnancies;  Forced Child Marriages; performance in schools; personal hygiene; sexual matters; menstruation among many more. The girls were shy in the beginning but slowly they opened up, asking so many questions and giving even answers to their peers.

The day ended with a game between the coaches for the girls and HODI organising team; where they saw even as adults we are not perfect in our game of football but in whatever we do we have to give our best. We hope to hold another similar tournament with more teams participating the issue of teams transportation; meals and accommodation being the only hinderance. But with all your support i know we can reach more girls and break more barriers and together we will help break silence on issues affecting girls on Marsabit.

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• Take a moment to visit our site! Very inspiring indeed!