Kick for Empowerment: SHE SOARS
In the heart of Migori County, within the vibrant community of Suna East, a transformative initiative is taking shape. In 2024, EPTF launched the “Kick for Empowerment: SHE SOARS” Community Programme funded by the FIFA Foundation. This program targets both in-school and out-of-school adolescent girls, addressing critical challenges such as limited access to education, early pregnancies, high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and youth unemployment. These issues, identified in the county-integrated development plan, contribute significantly to poverty within Migori County.
Addressing the Challenges
Adolescent girls in Suna East face challenges that hinder their personal growth and access to opportunities. Recognizing these barriers, the “Kick for Empowerment: SHE SOARS” initiative was created to foster a supportive environment where girls can thrive. The program focuses on enhancing self-esteem, promoting health and well-being, and encouraging girls to dream beyond economic and social limitations.
Goals of the Project
The primary objectives of the program include:
- Encouraging School Retention: The project seeks to make education more engaging and reduce dropout rates among adolescent girls by integrating sports into the school curriculum.
- Building Leadership Skills: Through team sports and leadership workshops, the girls learn teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Health and Well-Being: Regular physical activity is emphasized to improve overall health, while health workshops address topics such as nutrition and menstrual hygiene management.
- Providing Vocational Training: The initiative aims to train at least 100 girls and young women in entrepreneurship, financial, and digital literacy, enhancing their economic independence and employability.
- Fostering Community Support: The program involves parents, teachers, and community leaders to create a supportive network for the girls.
Activities and Implementation
The initiative features a variety of activities, including:
- Sports Tournaments: The program has successfully established 12 football teams across four wards, promoting teamwork, leadership, and confidence among participants. Weekly football matches encourage participation and foster camaraderie among the girls.
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Girls are breaking barriers and developing essential life skills that extend beyond the field, through football,
- Health Education and Screenings: Activities to educate participants on proper nutrition and provide free screenings for breast and cervical cancer.
- Workshops and Training: Sessions on gender equality, career guidance, and health education equip the participants with knowledge and skills for life.
- Community Outreach: Three community activities, including Chiefs’ Barazas and workshops for teachers and local leaders, have reached approximately 500 community members, raising awareness about issues such as teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and cultural barriers that hinder girls from accessing education.
Early Impact
Since its launch, the program has seen a surge in school attendance and enthusiasm among the girls. “Before this project, many of us didn’t think much about our potential,” says *Achieng, a 14-year-old participant (the name has been changed). “Now, we feel confident and motivated to pursue our dreams.” Teachers have also reported noticeable improvements in the girls’ focus and participation in class.
Looking Ahead
This project concluded in December 2024. By addressing challenges such as limited education access, teenage pregnancies, and unemployment, the “Kick for Empowerment: SHE SOARS” initiative fostered lasting, positive transformations in the lives of marginalized girls, enhancing their well-being and prospects.
In Suna East, the sound of a football whistle no longer signals just a game; it’s the start of a brighter future for countless young girls eager to rewrite their stories.