SoccerPlus, Manyatta Slums, Kisumu Kenya
Enriching lives through soccer & Education
OUR MISSION: The power of soccer to unite communities and change lives is often overlooked and undervalued. The goal of SoccerPlus Outreach is to enrich lives and transform communities through soccer for education. SoccerPlus Outreach seeks to provide educational opportunities to children and young adults in challenging environments across the globe - and to provide people with the tools to succeed in life on and off the pitch. Their programs help rebuild struggling communities and bring people together through the the beautiful game of soccer.
THE PROBLEM: Data has revealed that 80% of the youth living in Manyatta slum are living below the poverty line. This means that their daily’s needs are not being met and that education does not become a priority in their lives. When basic needs are not met, the youth engage in searching for and selling scrap metal, crimes such as theft and prostitution, dealing and becoming addicted to drugs and other risky behaviors instead of going school. Only 50% of the youth live at home with two parents or guardians. Due to not having the proper support, encouragement and structure at home and/or the temptation for risky behaviors, youth are dropping out of school and falling into a dangerous life cycle for their future selves. In turn, the community is suffering because it’s members are not making positive life choices.
THEORY of CHANGE: By implementing Soccerplus initiatives we are providing opportunities, encouragement and support for the youth to make positive life choices and impact the community in a beneficial way. Youth partake in life skill classes, hygiene programs, and environmental clean ups on top of being apart of either Kisumu Greenland FC, the Soccerplus Academy or the Supa Slum Soccer League. Young girls have their own feminine hygiene program and sexual education sessions while young boys are enrolled in “coaching boys to be men”. All of these programs are inclusive and build community amongst the participants. Above all else, education is not only encouraged but mandatory to be apart of our program. Involvement in school, gaining an education is the only way the community can move forward stronger together.
Free Access to Competitive Soccer, Life Skill Lessons, Hygiene and Sanitary Programs, and Environmental Initiatives
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Free Access to Competitive Soccer, Life Skill Lessons, Hygiene and Sanitary Programs, and Environmental Initiatives <(+)>
In Memory of…
Tony DiCicco gave his life to the game - however, for him, the game did not live inside the white lines. It lived on all sides. The game was a vehicle to inspire others to be their best selves and to find their purpose. We carry him in our hearts and celebrate his life by living our lives to the fullest -- and continuing his legacy globally.
Through a strategic partnership, Inspire Transformation and SoccerPlus Outreach will seek to carry on Tony's mission. In the quest for equality of opportunities regardless of gender or socioeconomic status, Inspire Transformation and SoccerPlus Outreach build sustainable programs with lasting impact.