ISA E.A endeavors to facilitate the development of young people, to provide mentorship, on the job coaching and nurture innovations using the power of sports. ISA East Africa has been informed, inspired and guided by ISA global theory of change dumbed ‘empowered young people’ which appreciates individuals in driving social transformation through life skill education, leadership and mentorship. In 2023 We Got Game intervention continues to be the seedbed for young people’s journey towards self-discovery and accomplishment of their dreams.
In our mission in 2023, the overriding focus was to strengthen our contribution to SDGs number 4,5 &16 (quality education, gender equality and peaceful coexistence) by creating an enabling environment in and beyond the sports field that best supports and amplify the youth voice in transforming themselves and leading social change in their communities.
We are proud to implement 2023 plan through the collaborative partnership with 8 CBOs in Kenya and Uganda. We are excited to have conducted series of planned activities. The integrated Change and Game changers 5 days training empowered 32 youth coaches who have been elevated from the pool of young people into building their capacities to organize and facilitate a sustainable team up sports activities which are fun, safe, active and inclusive back in their respective communities. 15 community sports coaches were trained and transitioned to become mentors and they are supporting the 32 youth coaches in realizing their personal ambitions. 1-day collaborative partnership workshop that brought 16 CBOs staff created a strong ownership of the programme and cooperation.
As a result of ISA training and engagement, 32 ISA trained youth’s coaches leading weekly fun games, multisport activities, music, dance and art to over 1280 young people in the community.530 out of 1280 are girls and young women .1280+ young people self-confidence and character formation enhanced .15 ISA trained community sports coaches offering a continued weekly mentoring to youth coaches. 16 trained CBO staffs advocates and support youth coaches in implementing their action plans by supporting them morally and with basic sports materials. ’Since the establishment of Imarisha Dada the past 7 years, there was no sports component in our programme. We are proud to be in partnership with ISA, Imarisha Dada we have introduced sports programme in our organization which has contributed to increment of girl’s leadership in our programme by 50%’.
The WE GOT GAME Community sports festival was a powerful approach for community engagement, empowerment, networking and the holistic development of young individuals’ abilities and talents.
The Mentor-mentee activities equipped young people with valuable life skills putting emphasis on promoting teamwork, leadership, and resilience, contributing to the development of well-rounded individuals.
The festival did not only aim at celebrations but also created an environment where young people recognized mentorship, guidance and leadership in a safe and inclusive space. The mentors and mentees aimed at enabling and shaping the atmosphere that support and learning in the following ways:
– The mentors created specific games enable mentees actively engage with young people. These games served as safe spaces where young people developed confidence in engaging various activities, express themselves, and interact with like-minded peers.
– Diversity and Inclusion games: the mentors and mentees conducted games addressing diversity and inclusion. These games aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among the participants by promoting understanding and respect for differences. This contributed to the creation of a safe and accepting environment for each other. These games ensured that all participants, regardless of their background or abilities, have the opportunity to engage in festival activities.
– Collaborative, team building and cooperating activities: the mentors and mentees facilitated the activities that portrayed and promoted cooperation and team building among the participants. This not only enhanced the overall festival experience but also fostered meaningful connections between generations. It created a sense of community and support for young individuals pursuing their interests
The festival was an opportunity to forge more partnerships with local sports organizations, schools, and community groups to create a network of support for youth development. These collaborative efforts ensured that the festival’s impact extends beyond the event, creating long lasting positive changes in the community.
‘The unique ISA’s approach has given me a platform to understand myself as young leader and showcasing the abilities that I have. The methodology of learning by doing has made me to spearhead together with my other mentees the organization and facilitation of the festival in my community’.
We are proud of young people taking up the lead in facilitating continuous community sports activity.
As ISA we value the collaborative partnership. In 2023 we collaborated with 8 CBOs in Kenya and Uganda. Our partnership and collaboration for development and engagement has demonstrated our commitment to continuous learning and offering of our expertise for knowledge and skills enhancement to young people and other like-minded stakeholders. Through unemployment problems that youths are facing now, our partner organization have motivated and encouraged the youths and coaches that ISA has invested in them to stay in their organization for the interest of their personal and organizational growth by linking them to institution e.g. high school for job opportunity in matters of leading sports and life skills session during games time and P. E’s. Out of 16 trained staff, 14 are still intact at the organization, out of 32 trained youth coaches, 26 are still working at the organization and part time working and volunteering in primary and secondary schools.12 trained mentors out of 16 are still intact and active in their organization. This approach from our partners of continuous mentoring the youth coaches and coaches guarantees the continuity of the programme that also helps them to grow and gain skills.
As we say bye to 2023, We have exciting plans for 2024, our desirable goal is to continue supporting young people into personal and community leadership to make them live a meaningful and productive life
We wish you all thriving and successful New Year 2024. May our partnership continue to grow stronger with each passing day to continue impacting and creating a better place for young people.
