In the dusty courts of Bungoma County, where poverty casts long shadows and high rates of physical and sexual violence trap girls in cycles of early school dropout, teenage pregnancy, and shattered dreams, 14-year-old Nelima once felt invisible. Overstretched public services offered little help, and prevention efforts were scarce. But Imarisha Usawa saw her potential, and the power of basketball to rewrite her story.<br />It started with a dribble. Nelima joined our community basketball program, a tool for change that draws in girls like her alongside families, coaches, educators, elders, and local leaders. On the court, she learned more than crossovers and jump shots. Coaches taught her to recognize red flags of violence and speak up, while elders shared stories of norm change, shifting mindsets that once normalized inequality. Her mother attended family sessions, unlearning harmful beliefs and becoming her fiercest advocate. Educators linked the team to school retention support, breaking the dropout chain.<br />Basketball built Nelima's leadership. She captained her team, organized drills that doubled as confidence workshops, and led peer circles on body autonomy and goal-setting. Today, Nelima dreams of coaching the next generation, her grades soaring and her voice echoing in community forums.<br /><br />Imarisha Usawa's prevention focused approach works because it unites everyone: girls empowered on the court, families transformed at home, and leaders driving lasting change. But we need your help to strengthen our work by creating better safe spaces. Across all wards in Bungoma, we lack basketball courts that are our safe spaces. Please support our aspirations to provide safe spaces for girls to thrive.

This request supports school-going children aged 13 to 16 from remote rural communities in Migori and Kisumu Counties, where learners walk 7 to 12 kilometres each way to school. Most recipients are girls, who face added risks of fatigue, insecurity, harassment, and seasonal flooding, leading to frequent absenteeism and school dropouts. Providing bicycles and helmets will reduce travel time, improve safety, restore energy for learning, and help keep children, especially girls, in school with dignity, confidence, and equal access to education.

According to Classrooms for Malawi (2024), in 1994, Primary School education was made free in Malawi, however numerous obstacles persist. Today, approximately 5.3 million learners are currently enrolled marking a 7.2 percent increment from the previous year, highlighting the demand for primary education. Of these students, 49 percent are male, and 51 percent are female. However, only 35 percent of children complete primary school, revealing deep systemic issues. Understanding these root causes is essential to effectively address the barriers impeding the delivery of quality education in Malawi. <br /><br />Football For Development (FFD) in Primary Schools is a concept that will be used to promote social, emotional, and physical development among primary school children. We believe this will help learners develop the love for school, here are key areas:<br /><br />a) Physical development: Promoting physical activity, motor skills, and overall health through football-based activities.<br /><br />b) Social development: Developing essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and cooperation.<br /><br />c) Emotional development: Fostering emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-regulation.<br /><br />d) Cognitive development: Enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.<br /><br />Benefits of football for development in primary schools<br />a) Improved physical health: Encouraging regular physical activity and promoting healthy lifestyles.<br /><br />b) Enhanced social skills: Developing essential social skills that can benefit children in all areas of life.<br /><br />c) Increased confidence: Boosting children's confidence and self-esteem through football-based activities.<br /><br />d) Positive values: Instilling positive values such as respect, fair play, and sportsmanship.<br /><br />Implementation of Football For Development in primary schools (FFD)<br />a) Trained coaches: Utilizing trained coaches who can deliver high-quality football programmes.<br />

In Malawi, over 70% of children live in poverty. There are very few opportunities for skills training or employment for the youth either. By supporting Urunji Child-Care Trust with bicycles, you help these children (especially girls) with mobility to and from school.