Interview
with Festus Juma, YDF Kenya Network
CoordinatorOyugis Kenya, 6 June
2011. In 2010, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has commissioned Streetfootballworld with the
implementation of the YDF country programme in Kenya. For the second year now,
the social-profit organisation brings together relevant actors in the field of
development through football. We asked the coordinator of the
YDF/Streetfootballworld Network in Kenya, Festus Juma, about the challenges and
activities of the partner NGOs, the reasons behind the network approach and
upcoming events. What role does football play in
Kenya?
Football is by far the most popular sport in
Kenya; it is one of the most meaningful leisure activities. In recent years, the
perception has shifted from viewing football merely as a sport activity to
regarding it as a means of community development. Football is now widely used as
a tool for improving health conditions, giving support to the young population
and empowering girls and women. What are the social challenges that
the member organisations of the YDF Kenya Network face, especially in your
country?
Apart from HIV/AIDS, which is a major concern
all over our continent, Kenya in particular experiences high levels of
discrimination of the female population. Compared to the possibilities of boys,
girls don't have equal chances and have limited access to education. The YDF
partner Moving the Goalposts Kilifi (MTG) focuses on this
issue, offering, for example, workshops on body development and family planning.
Food security is another topic that is important in the Kenyan context.
Especially to the rural population, sufficient food supply is a challenge. The
Society Empowerment Project (SEP) includes agricultural
training in its football activities. While our Nairobi-based member organisation
Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP) is highly involved in fighting
tuberculosis through awareness-raising in the communities, Mathare
Youth Sports Association (MYSA) works in many fields including youth
leadership, female empowerment and HIV and TB
prevention. Why is networking so important? What are the benefits in
Kenya?
The network approach is a noble idea bringing
together people and creating synergies. It fosters the development of skills and
expertise. By using our very effective communication system, we can offer local
consultancy. By meeting up with other organisations that are involved in Sport
for Development, we can improve our understanding, share our experiences in
working with young people and increase the chance to attain our
objectives. What activities have taken place so far in 2011 with the YDF Kenya
Network?
In April, MYSA organised the Mathare Youth
Girls Tournament in Nairobi in which over 91 teams and 1500 players
participated. MTG conducted a YDF training for coaches in Kilifi and in March
the YDF Network ran a tool kit coach workshop and leadership training in
Nairobi. Until today, 36 instructors and coaches in Kenya have been trained with
the YDF Toolkit. What has been the impact of implementing the YDF project in
Kenya?
The coach trainings have been very successful and
they are in great demand. We feel very confident with our football programmes
through which we have been able to foster the skills empowerment for youth. Our
network has improved the interrelationships between members; if an event takes
place, the other partners are alsoincluded and contribute to the success. We
think that the continuation of the YDF programme in Kenya is very important for
the youth in this
country. |
© GIZ/YDF
