Sports in 24 Schools For Kid's Health & Inclusion

Here is a more exciting and emotional donor-friendly version for GlobalGiving:

In the week of March 20th, 2026, our team traveled across Togo to visit all 24 partner schools as part of our school soccer tournament program for children in rural communities.

This field visit was a powerful reminder that soccer is much more than a game for the children we serve. In many rural communities, opportunities for organized sports are extremely limited. For these children, the school soccer tournament brings joy, confidence, connection, and hope.

As we visited each school, we saw children running onto the field with excitement, cheering for one another, and proudly representing their schools. We also met with teachers and school leaders to better understand how the tournament is impacting children beyond sports. Again and again, we heard that soccer is helping students grow in discipline, teamwork, leadership, self-esteem, and school engagement.

At the same time, our visits helped us identify important challenges that still affect participation, including limited equipment, lack of regular play opportunities, and the need for stronger support to organize activities in rural schools. In response, we are strengthening the program by:

• Improving tournament coordination with schools

• Supporting children with better access to structured soccer activities

• Reinforcing values such as teamwork, respect, leadership, and inclusion

These efforts are helping create safe and encouraging spaces where children can play, grow, and thrive.

Program Growth

We are excited to share that 4 new schools — EPP Kpélé Bémé, EPP Dzanipé, EPP Adzahoun Fiagbé, and EPP Atigbé — have joined the program, expanding our reach from 24 to 28 schools across Togo. This means even more children in rural communities will have the chance to experience the joy of sports and the life lessons that come with it.

Why This Matters

For many of these children, participating in a school soccer tournament is not just about scoring goals. It is about being seen, being included, and believing in themselves.

Each tournament represents:

• A joyful space where children can be active and confident

• A chance to learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership

• A meaningful investment in the well-being of children and their communities

Thanks to your support, we are doing more than organizing soccer matches. We are giving children in rural Togo a reason to smile, a place to belong, and an opportunity to grow into strong and confident young leaders.

What’s Next

We will continue strengthening school sports activities, improving tournament organization, and expanding the program so that even more children can benefit from the power of play, teamwork, and inclusion.

Thank you for helping bring joy, hope, and opportunity to children in rural Togo.