On 1st November 2014 was held the opening ceremony for the just constructed basketball court at Mabathini, Mathare slums opposite the Whynot Academy. It was a fun filled event most especially for the slum dwellers that came out in large numbers. Ten informal schools from Mathare and one from Kayole came to play against each other. Speaking to Karibu Afrika Sport Manager, Mr. Dominic Otieno, he said that the basketball court has brought a lot of positive change especially to school going children. “Before the children and the youth were spending their free time engaging in non-productive activities; now they have this space and the basketball, a sport they can relate to. They were used to think that basketball could only be played by the rich Kenyan in the society…but now they are playing it here, in the middle of the slum. It has really influenced their character and improved the discipline” says Mr. Dominic. Ten schools also got basket balls’ and portable rims so they can also start embracing this sport at their respective schools. Speaking to Alex Ndathi-one of the sports coach at Whynot Junior Academy, he said: “the sport has encouraged many children to attend school just so they can access the sport. It has made the children more active and attentive in their school work and really boosted their grades”. Life Skills and Health Education sessions have started in 4 schools of Mathare (Whynot Junior Academy, Myto Junior Academy, Excellent Care Centre and St. Michael Academy) under the supervision of World Friends educational staff. This is equipping the children with not only sports skill but also with life skills to help them in their day-to -day life. Everything is possible thanks to: Slums Dunk followers; the daily effort of Bruno Cerella and the other players / coaches from Italy; the precious support in the coordination provided by L’Altropallone; the daily job of World Friends and Karibu Afrika in Mathare. Just recently Africa & Sport and Tavola Valdese had also joined us in empowering and educating communities on life skills through sports. Thanks a lot to all of you! Slums Dunk had just started! Spread the word of the project and join us!
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 09:52:29 +0000
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