Dear Supporters!

First we believe that the year 2012 has just begun well on your side as you continue with your daily duties.  We would like to THANK YOU for all your continuous donations towards Vijana Amani Pamoja's project.  It's in this regard that i would like to share with you the progress that our project has so made and and what we are still doing as we strive to make a change in our communities.  Attached you will find more details of what we have achieved and what we are still striving to achieve.  It's our hope that with your continued donations,we will achieve our goals.

Again thanks you so much and enjoy reading!

• Progress Report (PDF)
  

Dear Readers/Supporters,

Once again we have a pleasure of inviting you to read our newsletter volume 10.Attached you will find the newsletter.We do hope that you will enjoy.Once again thanks for your continous support..

Yours in sports for social change advocate!

VAP

• VAP's Msimamo Newsletter Volume 10 (PDF)
  

For the fifth time in a row, world football governing body FIFA through its Corporate Social Responsibility granted Vijana Amani Pamoja, (VAP) with one year funds to boost its Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS intervention project that creates awareness of HIV/AIDS through a soccer themed curriculum. The FIFA funding to VAP came via a strategic alliance geared towards the Millennium Development Goals between streetfooballworld; www.streetfootballworld.org and FIFA.The two have been using football as an instrument for social development for many years in a variety of ways. “We as VAP feel very much honoured and privileged to secure FIFA funds again for the fifth year running. This funding creates more trust and believe from FIFA and other donors whom we appreciate a lot for their continued support. We also believe the power of opinions, suggestions and questions in order to move forward and I take this opportunity to welcome feedback from our extinguished donors.Additionally,the funds will expand our programs and make us reach many children in many schools here in Nairobi now that we have an official authority from the government to reach out all schools around Nairobi “Said Nancy Waweru, Program officer.

STREETFOOTBALLWORLD

The Streetfootballworld Network was set up in 2002 with the common vision to bring about social and human development through the use of football. Increased recognition of common work-that of all Network members and the team at the streetfootballworld in Berlin –has led to tremendous developments over the last years. Streetfootballworld acts as an interface between the streetfootballworld Network members and companies and institutions that are interested in investing in and cooperating with the field of Development through Football. By offering investment opportunities (projects) and developing corporate Citizenship (CC) strategies with these interested institutions, Streetfootballworld aims at establishing a support structure for the streetfootballworld Network that enables it to expand its activities and its goals.

FOOTBALL FOR HOPE The Football for Hope Movement is the key element of the strategic alliance between FIFA and streetfootballworld. It was created to enhance dialogue and collaboration between locally active organizations advancing social development and football associations, committed clubs and players, professional leagues as well as involved commercial partners. The Movement aims to utilize the role of football in the society in order to contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals.”With this funding and many others from various donors,VAP is very optimistic in its vision and mission in achieving its goals.We take this opportunity to thank all the individuals and corporate who have been donating their funds towards our movement and we wish each one of you happy holiday season and a prosperous new year(2012).”Said Enouce Ndeche,Executive Director

Dear Readers/supporters of Vijana Amani Pamoja(VAP) Attached find out the progress report of GRS-VAP Egmont trust. We realized that the attachedment was not attached due to technical problems.However,we believe that you gonna enjoy the report as we thank you for your continous support.

• GRS-VAP Egmont Trust Progress Report (DOC)

Dear Readers and supporters of VAP.

Please read the attached progress report for Vijana Amani Pamoja(VAP).The report regards the partnership that VAP,GRS formed with Egmont Trust.Of course you too,we thank you so much for your generous contribution that has been part of this report.We realized that the report was not attached in our last update bu you can now read it..Please enjoy it and thank you so much for your support..

• GRS-VAP Egmont Trust Progress Report (DOC)

Dear Readers and supporters of Vijana Amani Pamoja,(VAP)

It's my pleasure to share with you a progress report for the Egmont Trust and VAP partnership that has been going on.Of course,we also do highly appreciate and salute ALL the donors from different spheres of the world for their generous contribution towards VAP's movement.It's through your continous contibution that we are doing our core activity of changing the lives of our young people.I hereby invite you to read our attached report.

Thanks,

• GRS-VAP Egmont Trust Report (DOC)
• GRS-VAP Egmont Trust Report (DOC)

Dear Readers and supporters of Vijana Amani Pamoja,

Please see attached our volume 9 newsletter.We also take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your continous support as we reach out to many youth with our health messages..Please enjoy your reading..

• VAP's Vol 9 Newsletter (PDF)
  

Due to the over increasing demand of VAP’s Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS programs around Nairobi’s both public and private schools, VAP had to engage the Nairobi City Council through the city department of education to expand and  stretch its programs. The Nairobi City Council, education department is the government arm empowered to run and control all public schools in Nairobi.

After a thorough discussion and explanation of VAP’s Skillz program and its impact to the participants led by VAP’s Executive Director, Enouce Ndeche who had a meeting with City Education’s top officers, VAP invited the education officers to have a firsthand witness of Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS prevention and see how soccer is being used as a tool for social change.

The officers had to visit several program sites including: Church Army and Our lady of Nazareth schools where they all had an opportunity not only to see but also to join the participants in the activities as well as discussions regarding HIV/AIDS.”This is extremely an extra-ordinary program, the fact that soccer is a game of the masses; it’s amazing to see how much power it has that can be converted into a vehicle for social change. With this kind of initiatives in our schools, then our children would definitely become pro-active as far as their lives are concerned.”Said Mrs Catherine Gichuba, the duty advisor to schools, Nairobi City council, education department.”As a participant of Skillz Kenya program, I have learnt how to protect myself from HIV/AIDS and I have been sharing the knowledge with my friends and families about this dangerous disease.”Said Janet Mwikali, 13 years old student at Church Army School.

After all was concluded both parties: VAP and the Nairobi city council, department of education had to engage into a memorandum of understanding, with VAP being granted an authority to run its programs in all the public schools around Nairobi.VAP will be obligated to write a progress report to the office of the city education officer at the end of every year stating the impact of the program to the participants. ‘On behalf of the entire VAP fraternity, I would really like to take this opportunity to thank the Nairobi City Council, Education Department for accepting our invitation, taking part in our activities and mostly to grant us an authority to run our programs in all the public schools in Nairobi, though it’s not an easy job to reach out to all these schools, we as VAP are going to do our best to make sure that every child in these schools is empowered with HIV/AIDS prevention messages. We are also THANKFUL to our supporters and donors through GlobalGiving for their generous contribution towards all this that we as VAP are doing and we would like to encourage and invite more donors to come contribute to our course putting in mind that it’s through their support that we can only be successful.”Said Enouce Ndeche, Executive Director, Vijana Amani Pamoja.

Dear our esteemed readers and donors,

First I would like to express my utmost THANKS for your generous support that has really made us to be a successful organization that has been walking the talk of our core mission and vision. Attached please find out our quarterly newsletter that has all the activities that has been happening within the community that we serve. All these couldn't be possible without your unwavering support.While you read this newsletter, I want to wish you all the BEST in your endeavors.

Yours Project Director

Nancy Waweru

• VAP's quartely Newsletter Vol 8 (PDF)
  

On 16^h July 2010, Vijana Amani Pamoja-VAP hosted the 3^nd annual Kick N Test VCT and TB screening soccer tournament at Kiambio slums. It was an exciting day of football, voluntary counseling, testing and TB screening.  The tournament was organized under the theme of “Leading Front”. A total of 16 teams both boys and girls of ages 13-18 years from all the walks of Eastlands part of Nairobi converged at Kiambio community grounds, the heart of Kiambio, were waiting in readiness to participate in this unique 7-a-side street football tournament. The top two teams from each group played in the final to be crowned Kick N Test champions.

KIAMBIO SLUM.

Kiambio slum is the 3^rd biggest slum in Nairobi with an average population of 50,000 people and it is the host of VAP’s ground offices. The majority of the dwellers are depending on periodical manual jobs with a few being employed in informal sectors. Kiambio slum is also on record with the highest numbers of a myriad of social and economical challenges eg.HIV/AIDS, TB, lack of employment early pregnancies, rape etc. The location of VAP ground offices at the centre of Kiambio, has really developed a great relationship with the community as far as preventing and solving out some of the social challenges

AN EXTRA BOOST OFF THE FIELD

What made this tournament special? The team did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also participating in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS activities, stop TB activity visiting VCT and TB screening tents over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than a point in the match. A total of 81 youth players were tested on HIV/AIDS status and screened on TB. Every youth/player that was tested walked out with a certificate plus a bonus point to his/her team.

One player from each age group was chosen as soccer champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as spirit champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDS and stop TB activities.

Community members around Kiambio got an opportunity for a VCT and TB screening services during the tournament.

FIELD CLASSROOM

During intervals and half time of both Skillz Kenya HIV/AIDs and stop TB activities, participants were sensitized on correlation between TB and HIV. The main theme was TB/HIV co-infection. Peer educators for both TB and HIV were at hand to conduct the activities and educate the participants. We at Vijana Amani Pamoja take this moment to express our gratitude to the funders and donors who have been donating towards our cause. We thank you so much and hope to continue partnering with you to change the lives of many people through the power of soccer. For more information on the tournament see attached document.

• 3rd Kick N Test VCT and TB screening tournament (PDF)
  

Dear Readers and supporters of Vijana Amani Pamoja, I would like to invite you to read Vijana Amani Pamoja's latest newsletter attached to this message. Thanks for your continous support and enjoy reading..

• VAP's Msimamo Newsletter Volume 7 (PDF)
  

 For the last couple of weeks VAP has been working on adapting a new data system dubbed Scorecard. The system captures and tracks all details of program deliverance including: ages and genders of the participants, dates of program delivery, number of coaches and participants in attendance, activity conducted and the places of the program. The Scorecard is then uploaded into an online database called Sales force where VAP loads all of their programmatic data.

 Pre/Post:

The Skillz Kenya program uses a Pre and Post survey to evaluate participants’ critical thinking, communication, self esteem, and decision making. The results of the survey should hopefully show massive changes in participants’ knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS after they participate in the Skillz Kenya curriculum.

 Field Office Operations

Since the acquirement of the new ground office, Operations have been streamlined    efficiently with VAP coaches having easy access to program materials and enough room for their monthly monitoring and evaluation meetings. Additionally, due to the availability of enough working space, VAP volunteers can also access a place to work and easily mingle with the community around.

 Global Bikes Donate Bikes to VAP

 Global Bikes made a significant donation of 6 bikes to VAP. The donation of bikes will help VAP coaches move from program sites in a more efficient manner and will allow more children to benefit from the Skillz Kenya program. Global Bike has a simple mission: Use the transformative power of bikes to create positive social change in the developing world.

   VAP Coaches Attend GTZ Youth Leadership Workshop

 Two VAP coaches: Christine Atieno and Eligious Basil had an opportunity to attend a 5 day Youth training workshop organized by GTZ under the auspices of youth development football that commenced on 21^st-25^th March 2011. Amongst other organizations attending the workshop were: MYSA and MTG who were also represented by 2 young leaders respectively. The first 3 days training focused on effective ways of coaching young participants and the last 2 days focused intensively on leadership and management skills."The training I have received is so timely and I have gained a lot that would propel me, my fellow coaches my entire organization to make a real impact to the lives of the young participants that we work with.” Said Eligious Basil, VAP coach.

Opo is one of the coaches/peer educators that work with Vijana Amani Pamoja. Here he shares his inspiring story and why he wants to fight the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.

MY COACH’S STORY

Today I have this chance of reflecting and celebrating the life of the best friend I have ever had, the person who has shaped how I have viewed life since I was a young boy. Even though I did not get the chance to enjoy his company into adulthood the experiences I have had with him gave me a better understanding of what life is and how to relate to other people. These experiences, that I treasure so much, give me the extra energy that I, as a Skillz coach, need when I intervene and advocate for positive behavior change among my friends and young people in my community.

Dave (not real name) was a funny, energetic, and playful friend. He was full of games and he loved football very much. During my school holidays, travelling upcountry was the only thing in my mind. School holidays were the best times in my life, to date. I cannot remember having so much fun since those days—and the star of the show was Dave. Dave’s parents died when he was still a little boy. As I knew it then, his parents died from “the wrath of a strong wind” wiping out the entire village, they called the wind “Ayaki Matieka,” a Luo word for “the wind that finishes.” After his parents died, he was put under the custody of his uncle. We nicknamed Dave “Rivaldo,” a Legend of Brazilian and world soccer. Dave admired Rivaldo so much that whenever he scored a goal during our ‘World Cup’ (we had a rusty metal tea cup as our world cup trophy!) he ran all over the home with his shirt covering his face just as the Brazilian Rivaldo did whenever he scored.

We used to chase each other in the banana plantation as we kicked the banana trees pretending that they were our enemies. We admired the Kung-Fu masters from those Japanese films and we loved how they fought off their enemies with their special fighting styles—our favorite being the “Drunken Master” style. We pretended we were drunk and staggered as we walked like a drunkard and we threw kicks to the helpless banana trees. It was so much fun and we used to come home later from the “battle” at the banana plantation, with our feet hurting so badly!

Dave’s aunt was not kind to him. She used to beat him up for mistakes that were petty. I can’t forget the cries of pain when he was being beaten and he was always given very heavy and odd jobs to do. Despite Dave being sick (we were told that we were not supposed to be too close to him or share our food with him) I never, at any time, saw his aunt take him to hospital or see him take medicine. Even though Dave was performing well in school his parents decided to take him out of school—this I never understood. Despite all this harsh treatment he was undergoing, Dave still found the strength to make jokes and have fun. He still could play football with us and score goals with his powerful left foot that always brought our goal post down.

During my subsequent holiday visit, Dave’s health started to deteriorate, he became weak and he was always coughing so much that he even strained to breath. During this time, we were being told not to be near him and when we were seen around him we were punished. I couldn’t understand why they didn’t want us to be near him. Dave was our Hero. He was our Leader. He was our best friend and we were not asking for too much. We only wanted to be in his company. Dave died a painful death and even though his death didn’t mean much to many people, it was everything to us, his friends. Fun was no more, only memories of it.

To date, there is not one person who can convince me that it is the AIDS virus that killed Dave. Dave died as a result of the treatment he was subjected to by the people who were responsible for taking care of him—the society. If only we would all have shown real love to him, Dave would have lived long enough to see Brazil lift another World Cup. Rivaldo, his favorite player, was in the 2002 squad. What a joy that would have been for him.

We need not stigmatize our own people living with HIV: we are part of them, they are part of us and we can never live apart. They are human. We are human. We need not be inhuman to them. We  are not immune from HIV. Some are born with the virus, some cannot escape its clutches, and the rest only need to make one misguided choice and we could also be infected. Though Dave was infected with HIV, I have been affected by it up to today as I have lost one of my best friends. We are neither far from being infected with HIV nor are we far from death. We all die eventually and it doesn’t matter whether you are HIV positive or not. The best we can do is support those who are positive as they battle with the virus. They are on our team and we need to put on our “Makarapas” and prepare our ”vuvuzelas” to go to the stadium of Humanity and cheer our home team versus HIV & AIDS. Neither can the virus stand the sound of the vuvuzelas of love we are blowing, nor can it defeat our team if we all come to the stadium. And if anyone asks you why we need to do this, pause for a moment and reply… WE ALL HAVE DREAMS TO ACHIEVE, WE ALL WANT TO REACH OUR FULL POTENTIAL, WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER, WE ALL NEED TO BE APPRECIATED AS WE ARE AND WE NEED CARE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV BECAUSE IT IS IN OUR HUMAN NATURE TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER.

The only way we can stop stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS is to encourage those among us who have been able to bounce back and became successful in life despite being HIV-positive to come out of hiding and dispel the fear that there is no life but death after being infected. Let them appear and be a source of inspiration to those who have tested positive and have lost hope in life. PLWHA also need role models among them and when the world will realize that life—not death!–can come out of us after testing positive, the stigma subjected to our own people living with HIV will be reduced. We can do it. We have the power to do so. It is within our reach.

Your coach,

Opo

Dedicated to my friends, donors and our people living with HIV/AIDS

Now that the academic year has just started, the skillz Kenya gear has shifted from the community centres to the schools. Most of the schools undergoing through the program are new schools alongside few community centres whose programs are conducted during the weekend.Vijana Amani Pamoja has narrated a progress report attached to this message and we welcome you to read it..Enjoy!

• Msimamo Newsletter Vol.6 (PDF)
  

WORLD’S AIDS DAY

On Dec 1, 2010 VAP in conjunction with Sports Connect a youth soccer organization based in Eastlands organized a soccer camp for under:14,18 and 20.The event was held at  Buru Buru sports ground and VAP were at hand to conduct HIV/AIDS Skillz program. Amongst the Skillz conducted were: Find the ball, Risk field and Pressure limbo. These activities allow youth to explore issues relating to HIV/AIDS and gain necessary skills that lead to healthy lives. The skills are flavoured with critical thinking, communication, self-esteem and decision making amongst others.

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES

After much concentration of delivering Skillz programs in schools, it’s now time to shift the gears and focus solely on community centres now that schools have closed for the festive holidays. With fresh information from the recent training of

coaches’ course, VAP  is working with 5 new youth centres: sports connect, Mbotela foundation, shelter of hope, Madiwa city and Buru Buru sports academy as other  community centres are just on the verge of their graduations.

VAP COACH GRADUATES AND LANDS ANOTHER SCHOLARSHIP TO PERSUE HER DEGREE COURSE AT UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY (USIU)

Through the sponsorship from For-Granted Inc one of VAP’s partners, Linda Kafwe a VAP coach has just graduated with a Diploma in catering from Unity College of professional studies. Linda Kafwa has been an excellent student who has been giving back her unwavering support and services to the community through VAP. Additionally, her tremendous college performance has earned her scholarship to pursue her degree course at United States International University (USIU).

The other For-Granted scholarship beneficiaries: Edwin Ochieng and David Oduor who are also VAP peer educators are still pursuing their journalism courses at East African school of Media Studies. The two have been so instrumental too and have been taking pivotal responsibilities within VAP including: newsletter development, video-shooting and photos. “Am so much grateful to all the donors who have been supporting VAP’s movement because it’s through my involvement as a peer educator for VAP that I have managed to achieve my dreams. Am also proud to continue serving our community through VAP.” Said Linda Kafwa. On behalf of Vijana Amani Pamoja,we would like to wish all of you who have been donating to our project a HAPPY NEW YEAR! .

• Msimamo Newsletter Vol. 4 (PDF)
  

Informed by years of field experience and technical expertise in curriculum design, GRS in collaboration with Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP commenced the development of a Skillz Kenya curriculum (a Kenya-specific version of Grassroot Soccer's youth focused evidence based HIV prevention curriculum).The workshop was held in Nairobi from September 15-17, at Bahati PCEA Church in Eastlands, Nairobi and was facilitated by GRS Staff member Taylor Downs.

GRS and VAP invited staff from several like-minded organizations e.g. MYSA, Carolina For Kibera, WISER, HIV-FREE Generation, coaches and teachers who are vastly experienced in curriculum development, youth HIV prevention programming and youth education to participate in creating Skillz Kenya, and were proactively working to gather inputs from kids (direct beneficiaries), community volunteers,, community education, mobilization specifics), and patner organization (experts on Kenyan context and local HIV prevention response) GRS/VAP led the workship team through a critical analysis of the current skills curriculum and work to tailor the guide to Kenyan context and Curriculum and national HIV/AIDS response mandates  

EGMONT TRUST THROWS A SPANNER INTO VAP’S WORK

Through VAP’s long time partner GRS VAP has received a small grant to scale up its HIV/AIDS intervention programs. The Egmont trust combines professionals from the London and New York financial sectors with HIV/AIDS pioneers who have been addressing the negative effects of  disease for a combined 50 plus years. The one year funding scheduled to begin in November 2010 is estimated to reach out to 1,200 participants who will be empowered with HIV/AIDS awareness information through the new skill program. Through the grant support from Egmont trust, Grassroot soccer conducted a 5 day training of coaches for 20 VAP coaches. The training was also in line with new Skillz Kenya curriculum that was in the developing process since September 13.The new curriculum has more of a Kenyan face and context as well as national HIV/AIDS response mandate.

VAP OPENS A NEW OFFICE

On 10th Nov 2010, VAP experienced a new dawn by officially opening a new ground office that is located right in the centre of Kiambiu slums. The 2 room office that also consists of a small resource room will easen and facilitate VAP’s programs hence reaching out its community adequately. The office was officially opened by Leah Dozier, Grassrootsoccer’

s Director of Global operations and witnessed by VAP’s coaches.

GRADUATIONS

VAP has for the lsat few months graduated 1320 students from: kings shool,Ngei school,homeless Kenya team and Goodhope school.

VOLUNTEER’S EXPERIENCE

The Global Education Network of Young Europeans (GLEN) in partnership with VAP managed to send two student volunteers to do internship with VAP for a period of three months commencing on July 6th 2010 to 6th October 2010.The two: Edgar Lipping from Estonia and Lucas Klaus from Germany have been helping out in various disciplines e.g. monitoring and evaluation, editing and curriculum development.

Informed by years of field experience and technical expertise in curriculum design, GRS in collaboration with Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP commenced the development of a Skillz Kenya curriculum (a Kenya-specific version of Grassroot Soccer's youth focused evidence based HIV prevention curriculum).The workshop was held in Nairobi from September 15-17, at Bahati PCEA Church in Eastlands, Nairobi and was facilitated by GRS Staff member Taylor Downs.

GRS and VAP invited staff from several like-minded organizations e.g. MYSA, Carolina For Kibera, WISER, HIV-FREE Generation, coaches and teachers who are vastly experienced in curriculum development, youth HIV prevention programming and youth education to participate in creating Skillz Kenya, and were proactively working to gather input from kids (direct beneficiaries), community volunteers (community education/mobilization specialists), and partner organizations (experts on Kenyan context and local HIV prevention response). During this 3-day workshop, GRS and VAP led the workshop team through a critical analysis of the current Skillz curriculum and work to tailor the guide to Kenyan context and national HIV/AIDS response mandates.”The workshop has been so intense and informative. The new curriculum will have a direct Kenyan context that is suitable and customized for the Kenyan youth. I can’t wait to use the new curriculum come November, 2010 and use it with the youth.”Said Eligious Basil, VAP’s peer educator. VOLUNTEERS’S EXPERIENCE The Global Education Network of Young Europeans (GLEN) in partnership with VAP managed to send two student volunteers to do internship with VAP for a period of three months commencing on July 6th 2010 to 6th October 2010. The two: Edgar Lipping from Estonia and Lucas Klaus from Germany have been helping out in various disciplines eg.monitoring and evaluation, editing and curriculum development.”It has been so amazing to see how VAP is using the power of soccer to change the lives of young people, my firsthand experience has really been so great to me as well and I have learned a lot. Programs like VAP need more partners and funding to able to reach a larger scale of youth who need this unique kind of services.” Said Edgar Lipping.

• SKILLZ__KENYA_CURRICULUM_DEVELOPMENT_WORKSHOP.doc (DOC)

Msimamo newsletter is Vijana Amani Pamoja’s quarterly bulletin that contains in-depth news, stories and activities that take place within VAP and the community that it serves. The newsletter gives a clear picture of WHO we ARE and WHAT we do. Msimamo means””MY STAND.” C.E.O’s MESSAGE It seems strange that the World Cup has now come and gone and the dust has finally settled down with vuvuzelas’ voices disappearing in the thin air!. For Africa as a whole, this has been a major achievement in the global football arena and special thanks goes to South Africa for being the host and having worked tirelessly towards the preparation of the event for over four years. That said, what a fantastic time – any doubts about South Africa’s ability to pull it off have surely been laid to rest. It was truly (Kenako!) .If only some of the teams had lived up to expectations! One of the biggest highlights for Vijana Amani Pamoja was its participation in the FIFA’s Festival 2010 which ran for the final two weeks of the World Cup in Alexandria, Johannesburg. Organisations using football for development converged from around the world to take part in this official FIFA and streetfootballworld event. Even though VAP didn’t have a team participating in the games, the representation of Enouce Ndeche to the events was a significant spirit of solidarity. MREMBO GOES A NOTCH HIGHER After having a long spell of time delivering the Mrembo skillz which is entirely zeroed on sexual health reproductive messages to (GIRLS) in Kiambiu slum, Mrembo program is spreading its tentacles to schools. The first school to benefit from the Mrembo program is Child survival, located in the middle of Majengo slums. The school has a total of 250 girls all coming from underprivileged families with a myriad of life challenges.”It has not been easy to get a program like Mrembo that addresses the challenges of a girl child and empowers them, given the fact that most programs are boys focused.” Said Mr. Joseph Onyango, the head teacher of Child survival.

GRADUATIONS A total of 3000 student participants from different schools and community centres have so far graduated from the G-pange Skillz HIV/AIDS awareness program. These students have been provided with potential life-saving information and skills to live HIV-free. They have been empowered to conduct peer education activities within community, and to reach out to more others through formal and informal sessions.

G-PANGE SKILLZ STRETCHES OUT TO NEW SCHOOLS AND CENTRES Due to the initial success of the G-pange skillz and subsequent increased demand from schools and community centres for this innovative HIV prevention methodology, VAP is now reaching out to 5 new schools and 4 community centres. The introduction of the G-Pange program is a spanner in the works towards these schools’ HIV/AIDS clubs, extra-curriculum activities and most of all their life skills. The expansion is as a result of continuous support from FIFA (footballforhope) and GTZ (youth development football).

SPORTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE AFRICAN YOUTH FORUM During the world cup 2010, the Sport for Social Change Network hosted a conference to further develop the relationships between network members and provide an opportunity for dialogue and debate. The conference was supported by their partners, Nike and GTZ YDF.Eligious Basil one of the peer educators from Vijana Amani Pamoja was selected to represent VAP and Kenya to attend the SSCN African Youth Forum in Pretoria. The Conference was an excellent opportunity to engage with other organisations throughout Africa using sport as a tool for development. Over the three days there was a variety of discussions and seminars. A few highlights included the Mango financial management training, the pizza-making on the last night as well as discussing “The way forward” for the SSCN. A major focus for the SSCN is to ensure that youth are actively engaged at all levels of decision making. A total of 33 young leaders from ten African countries gathered together at this Forum which aimed to provide a platform for youth to engage in policy-making and share their experiences as youth involved with sport for social change. As a celebration of the launch of the Forum, the participants were each given a ticket through the Sony Ticket Fund to watch Brazil play a World Cup game at Soccer city! KICK N TEST VCT AND TB SCREENING SOCCER TOURNAMENT For the second time running on 17th July 2010, VAP organized the 2nd annual Kick N Test and TB screening soccer tournament, and for the very first time bringing to the fore the TB aspect and mainly its co-relationship with HIV/AIDS. What made this tournament special? The teams did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also for participating in the G-Pange HIV/AIDS Skillz, Stop TB activities visiting VCT and TB screening tents over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than the points from a match. Out of 220 participants 156 youth were tested on HIV/AIDS status and screened on TB. Every youth/player that was tested walked out with a certificate plus a bonus point to his/her team.

One player from each age group was chosen as Soccer Champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as Spirit Champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the G-Pange HIV/AIDS Skillz and Stop TB activities. A total of 23 community members got an opportunity for a VCT and TB screening services during the tournament.

STOP TB PROGRAM. Since the inception of Stop TB program, VAP is currently impacting the lives of 230 students from Rescue Dada centre who are going through the Stop TB program. The program aims to empower students with more knowledge about TB and its co-relation with HIV/AIDS by using soccer.For more info,please read the attached document.

• msimamonewsletter1.pdf (PDF)

INTRODUCTION

On 17th July 2010, Vijana Amani Pamoja – VAP hosted the 2nd annual Kick N Test VCT and TB screening soccer tournament. An exciting day of football, voluntary counselling, testing and TB screening. The tournament was organized under the theme of “jijue” (Swahili language, means ‘Know yourself’). A total of 16 teams both boys and girls of ages 13-18 years from all the walks of Eastland part of Nairobi converged at Bahati Community centre in readiness to participate in this unique 7-a-side street football tournament. The top two teams from each group played in the final to be crowned Kick N Test champions.

AN EXTRA BOOST OFF THE FIELD

What made this tournament special? The teams did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also for participating in the G-Pange HIV/AIDS Skillz, Stop TB activities visiting VCT and TB screening tents over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than the points from a match. Out of 220 participants 156 youth were tested on HIV/AIDS status and screened on TB. Every youth/player that was tested walked out with a certificate plus a bonus point to his/her team. One player from each age group was chosen as Soccer Champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as Spirit Champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the G-Pange HIV/AIDS Skillz and Stop TB activities. A total of 23 community members got an opportunity for a VCT and TB screening services during the tournament.

FIELD CLASSROOM

During intervals and half time of both G-Pange HIV/AIDS Skillz and Stop TB activities, participants were sensitized on correlation between TB and HIV. The main theme was TB/HIV co-infection. Peer educators for both TB and HIV were at hand to conduct the activities and educate the participants. Each participant was given a pre-test to gauge their knowledge about HIV/AIDS and TB. Amongst the HIV topics were: • Definition of HIV • Modes of transmission • Signs and symptoms • Myths and facts about HIV • prevention and control of HIV Amongst the TB topics were: • Definition of TB • Modes of transmission • Signs and symptoms of TB • TB and HIV co-infection • Prevention and control of TB Finally a post-test was done which indicated that learning had taken place as the most of the children scored better marks than in the pre-test. Later on the Luis Figo Stop TB comic booklets were given out to all the participants.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Vijana Amani Pamoja would like to thank individual donors who have been donating towards our project and making this event a huge success.We are looking forward to continue changing the lives of the community that we serve through your support.We would also like you to read the attached document for more details of the tournament.

• Report_on_KNT2.pdf (PDF)
  

Coxswain Social Investment Plus, on behalf of Football for an HIV Free Generation (F4), is pleased to release the study, “Using Football for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Africa.” Thank you for contributing your time to assist with the evaluation and for your continued work in fighting HIV and AIDS.

To help your organization take advantage of the study release and the media attention for the World Cup and the upcoming International AIDS Conference, we have put together a media toolkit. This kit contains the following materials:

 Press release  Questions and answers on the report  Fact sheet on football for HIV prevention in Africa

We encourage you to reach out to your local media contacts both to publicize your work and to build further awareness on football as a vehicle for preventing HIV/AIDS in African youth. We hope the tools we have assembled will assist you.

We also anticipate that you will be able to use the study to gain recognition and mobilize funding for your important work.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vijana Amani Pamoja JUNE 23, 2010 254723954556 endeche@yahoo.com

Football Programs Score Against HIV/AIDS

NAIROBI, KENYA – A new study, released by Coxswain Social Investment, finds football programs are uniquely successful in preventing the spread of HIV. Vijana Amani Pamoja is featured in the study for its success in using the power of soccer in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The study, “Using Football for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Africa”, was conducted in the months leading up to the World Cup. The question for the researchers was, “Football has tremendous convening power, but do football-based programs really make a difference in preventing HIV?” According to the study, the answer is unequivocally - yes.

Most importantly, the study found football programs can lead to profound behavior change, which is the key to prevention. All successful cases of reversing national HIV epidemics involved broad-based changes in behavior.

The study also highlighted that football programs are successful with hard-to-reach audiences and at tackling sensitive issues within the safety of the team. Because of its appeal to young audiences, football can reach those most at risk. Half of all new infections in sub-Saharan Africa occur between the ages of 15 and 24.

The AIDS epidemic is the most significant public health challenge on the African continent. More than two-thirds (67%) of those living with HIV are in Africa. While preventing new infections is the key to reversing the epidemic, globally prevention services reach only 20 percent of those in need.

Coxswain Social Investment conducted the study using interviews, research, and survey questionnaires. While it is not a UNAIDS study, experts from UNAIDS contributed their time, experience, and resources to the evaluation. It is a legacy product of the Football for an HIV-Free Generation Initiative.

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“Using Football for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Africa” Questions and Answers

Q: What is the study’s most significant finding?

A: Football-based HIV prevention programs are particularly successful in creating lasting behavior change. This is the key to reversing the epidemic, as successful national programs have shown.

They are able to create this change for many reasons, including the interactive nature of the coach-player relationship, the emphasis on skills transfer inherent in football training, and the supportive team environment.

Q: What are the other main findings of the study?

A: In addition to successful behavior change, the study found the following:  Football-based programs are an exceptionally flexible platform for prevention programs;  They empower individual coaches and peers to make a difference;  Programs are rooted in participants’ lives;  Football-based programs can also teach correct condom use;  Programs serve vulnerable groups in hard-to-reach settings;  There is a major role for media in highlighting local leaders and spreading messages;  Celebrity footballers and coaches can play a transformative role;  Football programs are effective foundations for partnerships, and  Football tournaments and other gatherings can be used to offer a range of health services and lower the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.

Q: Who conducted the study?

A: Coxswain Social Investment conducted the study using interviews, research, and survey questionnaires. While it is not a UNAIDS study, experts from UNAIDS contributed their time, experience, and resources to the evaluation.

Q: Are celebrity footballers effective spokespeople for HIV prevention?

A: Celebrity footballers do bring international attention and prestige to programs, increasing the commitment of those operating them. At the same time, many programs use local coaches and peer mentors as spokespeople, with a great deal of success. Highlighting local leaders encourages others to follow in their path.

Q: What role can media play?

A: Media can highlight the work of individual players and coaches, encouraging others to get involved. It can also transmit prevention messages and support advocacy efforts.

Kicking HIV/AIDS out of Africa A Fact Sheet on Football for HIV Prevention Among African Youth

HIV and AIDS in Africa

 The AIDS epidemic remains the most significant public health challenge in Africa.  22.4 million people were living with HIV in Africa at the end of 2008, accounting for more than two-thirds (67%) of all those living with HIV.  In sub-Saharan Africa, half of all new infections are estimated to occur among those aged 15 to 24.

Reversing the Epidemic

 New HIV infections were reduced by 17% over the eight years preceding 2009.  Prevention is the key to reversing the epidemic.  As a sexually transmitted disease, human behavior is the main variable.  Research shows that football-based programs can create long-lasting behavior change.  Countries reporting declines in HIV prevalence have recorded the biggest changes in behavior and prevalence among young people.  In all cases where national HIV epidemics have been reversed, broad-based behavior changes were central to success.  HIV prevention services globally reached only 20% of those in need in 2005.  Prevention service coverage for populations at higher risk of exposure was even lower.

• Media_Promotional_Kit1.doc (DOC)

At the occasion of the 2010 FIFA world cup, the sport for social change network (sscn) supported by youth development through football and Nike, and in partnership with sport and recreation South Africa seek to have representatives from their partner countries to be a part of the excitement and hype of the world’s greatest sport event, the 2010 FIFA world cup. In the occasion there was an establishment of an African Youth Forum that consisted of representatives from the sports for social change network and youth development through football partner countries. The forum was envisaged to encourage local youth led initiatives. It was a platform for discussions, exchange and decision making to youth from the represented countries which will form a component of the sport for social change network.”My presence as a representative not only for my organization, Vijana Amani Pamoja but for my country Kenya was a huge impact and great benefit. I had an opportunity to showcase and explain to my colleagues the impact of our work with the schools and the communities in my country Kenya.Additionally; i also exchanged ideas, networked and learnt alot from my colleagues on what they are doing in their respective countries. The knowledge that I got from the forum will stir up my work and will add alot of impact to my organization back at home. I thank all the donors who have contributed generously through global giving for making our organization achieve alot not only at home in Kenya but also becoming a global example to the rest of the world’s like-minded organizations.”Said Eligious Basil, a peer educator with Vijana Amani Pamoja.

The vision of the forum was to have the realization of social and economic well being for Africa through sport for social change and its mission was to support and participate in the realization of a sustainable sport for social change market place where youth and the broader society benefit society and community.

TRAINING OF TRAINERS COURSE. Supported by its existing partners, Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP conducted a refresher course for its peer educators with an aim of building the capacity of their program delivery. The training was attended by 15 peer educators and 5 volunteers who gathered at the Kiragu community social hall. The trainings commenced on 26th of May to 28th may 2010 with .Amongst the topics covered were: HIV/AIDS biology that was meant to instil more theoretical knowledge about HIV/AIDS to the peer educators and volunteers.Additionally, all attendees were taken through HIV/AIDS related activities that are in the revised curriculum as a refresher to make sure everybody including the volunteers are at par with the newly revised curriculum that contains 10 sessions.”After having gone through the HIV/AIDS biology session and understanding the activities of the newly revised curriculum, am now fully equipped to go out and make a difference in the lives of the youth out there GLOBAL GIVING IN ATTENDANCE The attendance of Mr. John Hecklinger a Global Giving staff from Washington DC was a real boost to VAP and the entire training as he also had a chance to have a firsthand witness of what VAP is doing to the community.”I want to congratulate VAP for what it’s doing to impact and change the lives of its community. This is truly a good example of what Global Giving is looking for to support grassroots organizations that are really touching and changing the lives of its citizens.”Said John Hecklinger, chief program officer from Global Giving. CERTIFICATION Upon the completion of the three day training, all the participants were awarded with certificates that empowered them to become peer educators and go out and teach others. As usual the main focus of the curriculum is to target youth aged; 12-20 years both boys and girls who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Fresh from the trainings VAP is targeting to graduate 2,500 youth by the end of 2010.These youth will go through the entire curriculum and upon the completion they will be awarded certificates that would empower them to reach out to thousands more through formal and informal educational sessions.”I believe that we are all set not only as peer educators but also as changers makers and in this case i want to thank all the partners and individuals who have been donating through global giving for their enormous support. Even as we are earmarked to our achieving our goals, we believe your continuous support will make it a reality and a big success.”Said Nancy Waweru, project Director, Vijana Amani Pamoja.

HIV and TB prevention through sport: On a Saturday afternoon in the Kamukunji area of Nairobi, dozens of kids are running around on a wide swath of bare earth. Cinderblock slum castles line the sides of the field on three sides, the fourth a wall of trash, plastic bags, excrement, rotting vegetables, and flies that people must stumble through to reach the open space. Just outside the rotting fence, merchants are carving sandals from used tires, Matatus zoom by, hawkers sell goods on foot, and a flock of goats descend upon the nutritious refuse. This scene is typical for many Nairobi slums, but this field is special because kids are playing supervised soccer. Seventeen volunteer coaches instruct, encourage, and inspire. Play is organized so that kids as young as seven are safe here. Throughout the afternoon, coaches break the action so they can talk to the kids about HIV/AIDS. Today is special to them as well, because it is first day that they will expand lessons about how to avoid tuberculosis (TB). An instructor (Omu) invites 30 kids to gather around. “You have all heard about TB before,” he begins, “but I want to show you just how difficult it is to know if someone is carrying.” Omu lines them up in two tight groups, shoulder to shoulder, so that no one can see through the gaps between. Each group faces the other, and he holds up two tennis balls. “You see this? This ball is HIV, the other one, TB.” Clearly each ball is labelled with a marker. Omu gives one boy a ball in each line and instructs them to secretly pass the diseases behind their backs, so that those in the other line cannot see it. Eventually, Omu calls “stop” and someone from the opposing team tries to guess who on the other side is carrying the “disease.” A boy calls out a name and the other boy reveals his empty hands. Most fail. They are just guessing. Slowly, after weeks of playing soccer, it sinks in that no one can predict who is has AIDS or TB, and that it is wiser to avoid promiscuity. Most of these boys are years away from even thinking about girls, and yet this is the age when they can be reached. Later, their friends will have more influence than soccer instructors.

ABOUT ENOUCE NDECHE: My interest in this story is less about what organizations like Vijani Amoni Pamoja (VAP, meaning “Peace Together”) do; but why they ever came to exist in the first place. VAP was founded six years ago by Enouce Ndeche. As Enouce explains it, “we were just trying when CARE found us and supported us. Now we have support from many sports for social change organzations around the world.” Enouce is shy and modest by nature. He avoids boasting about the role he has played. But many of his friends grew up exposed to the same community problems, and saw the same needs, and none of them started an organization. But he did, and now 17 of Enouce’s neighborhood friends work alongside him at VAP as coaches and mentors. Something happened that caused one person to step up and start making a difference. As best as I can tell, VAP began after Enouce was exposed to a series of new ideas and opportunities. He had the opportunity to go to school, where he met kids outside the slum and made friends easily. He lived among mentally handicapped people and struggled to understand what it is about their brains that might be different. Those questions compelled him to seek out a volunteer opportunity with Special Olympics. There he met an American who listened to Enouce, learned about his passion for playing soccer on the dirt field in front of his house, and planted an idea. This American told Enouce about a project he had heard about volunteering elsewhere, that combined sports with HIV awareness. “That sounds wonderful,” Enouce said, wishing someone like that was in his own neighborhood. He was ready to volunteer at that moment, but no organization existed. There the idea lay dormant for a few years. Enouce was waiting for someone to come along with money and expertise and tell him what to do. But over the hundreds of daily soccer games with friends that ensued on this field, the issue of HIV would come up occasionally during water breaks, and they would talk about it. Enouce carried on the conversation longer with the younger kids, until he was almost a big brother to them. Soon he was organizing practice for the team and talking about HIV more often. They had no office, no budget, and no staff – but here was an individual making a difference. He told everyone who had inspired him along the way about his dreams for that neighborhood, and his friends joined him. Some of the people at organizations Enouce had served previously as a volunteer passed word on to others. They told others, and eventually organizations with resources took notice.

Cautiously optimistic, CARE sent some people to see this tiny organization’s work. They saw a strong network of volunteers on the ground in a neighborhood served by few other organizations. Tons of kids were involved, and the community new about Enouce’s organization and supported it. But if Enouce hadn’t gotten involved volunteering for another organization as a youth, he wouldn’t have had a chance meeting that changed the community.

In my travels talking to GlobalGiving’s project leaders across Kenya, I’ve noticed that getting noticed is to some a miracle, and to others a recognition of their own effort. Few connect the dots of person to person, how planting an idea today will blossom into the social change led by tomorrow’s organization. But I believe change starts with the spread of good ideas and stronger social connections, both locally and abroad. We (GlobalGiving) have started a storytelling project to facilitate this, and we’ve build a SMS-powered community message board for Kamukunji. It is still just a prototype, but it might become something more. I’ve also left my personal mark here. Since I’m an ultimate frisbee enthusiast, I held a clinic four Saturdays later to teach the game and leave behind some discs.

I kept coming back here because I believe VAP is an excellent organization serving the community, and I want to see it grow.

Links:

• Voice of Kamukunji - SMS and ushahidi message board

Last week from 5th to 11th April, Vijana Amani Pamoja (VAP) hosted COACHES ACROSS CONTINENTS, who did incredible work by training 40 coaches for 17 hours. The event was held at Air Force grounds in Eastleigh, section 3 in Nairobi, Kenya. “We had fun and learned new coaching tactics from our visitors. At the end of it we were awarded with certificates and Newcastle United jerseys. “We are now empowered more than before and we are ready to go out there with additional information and do what we do best.” Said Charles Otieno, a coach/peer educator. April 16th, 2010. Coaches Anna, Andy, Emily and Nick have recently finished the first year work with VAP, an outstanding program in the Eastlands area of Nairobi who use football against HIV.

“It was a physically challenging program with a lot of travel through Nairobi into some of the most dangerous sites. At all times the coaches of VAP and all the local people made our coaches feel extremely safe. It was also great to learn from VAP and see how they use football to fight HIV/AIDS.” Said Andy Old, from coaches across continent who also doubles as a Doctor.

The 7 day intensive program was a great success and VAP coaches received a Coaches across Continents certificate and a Newcastle shirt from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation upon completion of the 17 hour program. On day 1 the VAP coaches worked for 5 hours on the Airforcefield working on games for Health and Wellness and Conflict Resolution. The training continued each day and the coaches worked their tired bodies to learn more than 35 new games including 5 new games for HIV education. VAP coaches learned coaching life skill lessons like safety first, fun games even for education on HIV, session planning and were also asked to develop a VAP style of coaching and demonstrate it during their coach training time. Credit goes to the 30 plus coaches who gave their all to pass the course.

In the afternoon our coaches worked with children from 6 community sites and alongside the VAP coaches ran some great programs in some of Nairobi’s least advantaged areas. On day 5 our coaches ran a session for 40 girls and 40 boys on an area with much broken glass on a field and where 30% of the children did not have shoes. As the session started the local drug dealers made their way over to watch and a lot of the local community turned up. Again, at all times the local people, including the drug dealers, were extremely respectful to our work and enjoyed us taking time to talk ‘football’ with them. And the local VAP coaches escorted us everywhere.

Such was the success of the program that we are delighted to announce that Coaches across Continents and VAP have agreed to a full Hat Trick Initiative program through till 2012.

FIFA GRANTS VAP

For the third time in a row, world football governing body FIFA through its Corporate Social Responsibility granted Vijana Amani Pamoja, (VAP) with funds to boost its HIV/AIDS intervention project that creates awareness of HIV/AIDS through a soccer themed curriculum. The FIFA funding to VAP came via a strategic alliance geared towards the Millennium Development Goals between streetfooballworld; www.streetfootballworld.org and FIFA.The two have been using football as an instrument for social development for many years in a variety of ways. “We as VAP feel very much honoured and privileged to secure FIFA funds again for the second year running. Through the second funding we were able to reach out to our goals and graduated the targeted number of 3,700 students who were equipped with HIV/AIDS information and were certified as HIV ambassadors. This funding creates more trust and believe from FIFA and other donors whom we appreciate a lot for their continued support. We also believe the power of opinions, suggestions and questions in order to move forward and I take this opportunity to welcome feedback from our extinguished donors.”Said, Nancy Waweru, program officer.

STREETFOOTBALLWORLD

The Streetfootballworld Network was set up in 2002 with the common vision to bring about social and human development through the use of football. Increased recognition of common work-that of all Network members and the team at the streetfootballworld in Berlin –has led to tremendous developments over the last years. Streetfootballworld acts as an interface between the streetfootballworld Network members and companies and institutions that are interested in investing in and cooperating with the field of Development through Football. By offering investment opportunities (projects) and developing corporate Citizenship (CC) strategies with these interested institutions, Streetfootballworld aims at establishing a support structure for the streetfootballworld Network that enables it to expand its activities and its goals.

FOOTBALL FOR HOPE The Football for Hope Movement is the key element of the strategic alliance between FIFA and streetfootballworld. It was created to enhance dialogue and collaboration between locally active organizations advancing social development and football associations, committed clubs and players, professional leagues as well as involved commercial partners. The Movement aims to utilize the role of football in the society in order to contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. THE 2010 FUNDING The one year funding will be used to scale up VAP’s HIV/AIDS G-pange skillz activities in 5 schools and 6 community centres by targeting 6,800 students by March 2011.With the already set 2012 initiative, VAP is optimistic that with the financial support they are appealing for-they will reach 6,800 students by the close of March 2011.

EMPOWERMENT

For the last couple of weeks, Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP has graduated over 2,100 students from; Uhuru primary school, Jericho primary school, Baraka primary school, Jacaranda special school, Uhuru High school, and Chai community centre, Umoja and Feda community centres. Various through its interventions. All the participants went through the entire Skillz curriculum that was delivered as an after school program by VAP’s peer educators.Skillz curriculum is a newly revised version that entails 10 sessions that has a series of activities that include critical thinking,communication,self-esteem and decision making, among others. It requires active participation and creates a safe, team-based environment in which participants can comfortably share their feelings, beliefs, and ideas about HIV/AIDS. All the graduates were empowered with certificates that deemed them to become HIV/AIDS ambassadors and experts in their respective communities. “After having gone through the Skillz HIV/AIDS intervention, am now fully aware of the dangers that HIV/AIDS posses. I can now teach my peers and my family on how they can be pro-active against HIV/AIDS. “Said Sam Njuri, 13 years old graduate of Uhuru primary school. These graduates are expected to conduct peer education activities within their communities, reaching out to thousands more through formal and informal educational sessions.

REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Graduates from Jacaranda Special School.

For the very time in the history of Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP also involved and graduated students with intellectual disability from Jacaranda special school. It has been to the discover of VAP that people with intellectual disability are the most undervalued population and are mostly forgotten and ignored by the mainstream society to empower them as well with critical healthy information that render them to become more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.A total of 450 students with intellectual disability were graduated from the Skillz HIV/AIDS intervention.’’ Iam truly amazed and thankful to Vijana Amani Pamoja for reaching out to people with intellectual disability whom very so often are down looked and have been mocked for so many years. With the trend that VAP is setting, the general society should also consider and include people with disability in awareness activities and messages.” Said Mrs. Jane Wafula, the school principal of Jacaranda special school.

THE DRIVE TOWARDS WORLD CUP

Local graduation soccer tournament

Vijana Amani Pamoja,through its strategic theme,(The drive towards world cup) is looking forward to graduating 3000 more students before the commencement of the first world cup game in African soil.VAP will vigorously be using the power and popularity of the game and its impact for being hosted in Africa to achieve its goals.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

VAP would like to thank all the partners and well wishers who have been donating towards its movement through Global Giving and NOT forgetting to thank Streetfootballworld and FIFA through its strategic alliance,(Football For Hope) grants that have been of great impact and value. We would still be requesting for more donations for us to achieve our mission.

• GG__VAP.doc (DOC)

On December, 1 2009-Nairobi, Kenya-The United Nations secretary General’s special Envoy to stop Tuberculosis (TB) visited Kenya in a bold initiative to fight the spread of one of the biggest killer disease on the continent. The mission was organized by the Stop TB partnership in close collaboration with UNAIDS.

Dr.Sampaio, who is also a former president of Portugal, was asking stakeholders including governments to take an active role in helping people in need to gain access to accurate TB diagnosis and effective treatment.

TB is a major health issue in Africa and kills nearly two million people every year around the world even though it can be cured with six-month course of drugs that costs only US$20.

Dr. Sampaio reiterated his request to Ministers of Health in Kenya and Africa and NGOs to set ambitious national targets and mobilize the funding necessary to reduce the number of people living with HIV who die unnecessarily of TB.

His visit coincided with the Worlds AIDS Day, which is marked annually on December 1st across the globe.In Nairobi an educational workshop for school children focused on various aspects of the disease including its prevention and treatment.Mr.Wilfried Lemke, the UN secretary General’s special Adviser on sports and development and peace and Kenya’s minister for youth and sports, Dr. Sambili was also on hand to join Dr.Sampaio on a football tournament for boys and girls aged 12-14 years.

The tournament which was held at Mathare Depot featured 24 seven-a-side teams aimed at creating more awareness about TB through sports. The initiative was organized by Vijana Amani Pamoja, MYSA, streetfootballworld, Alive and Kicking among other organizations. The stop TB partnership distributed educational comic books featuring the international Portuguese football star and stop TB Ambassador Luis Figo as the main character. The comic books which target children and young adults with key information on tuberculosis were distributed to all the participants.

Vijana Amani Pamoja is very much privileged to be honoured by streetfootballworld, WHO and other organizations to be amongst the implementing organizations. Through this great experience on TB,VAP is on the process of developing a Stop TB manual that would be used to deliver the TB messages similar to the one of HIV/AIDS which is currently being used. We would therefore urge our donors through Global Giving and others to make a generous contribution as we aim for this initiative.

• World_Aids_Day.doc (DOC)

On the 1st of December VAP - along with a select few Kenya based charities - will team up with the World Health Organisation to host an football themed HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis event. The event will coincide with World AIDS day.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the TB/HIV co-epidemic through football and through the image of Stop TB Ambassador Luis Figo who's very keen on empowering children and adolescents through sports.

Background -

Luìs Figo became a Stop TB Ambassador in 2008. Mr Figo, a decorated professional Portuguese footballer, was the 2000 European Footballer of the Year, the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year and was named among the FIFA 100 greatest players of all time. Luis Figo's worldwide appeal and popularity will make a major contribution in the fight against tuberculosis.

Football is one of the most compelling and widely followed - and played - sports in the world. Mr Figo is keen to use his skills and popularity to raise global awareness and counter the stigma of tuberculosis to help reduce the many needless deaths that result from this preventable and treatable disease.

Figo's Educational Comic Book on Tuberculosis -

The Stop TB Partnership has produced an educational comic book delivering key information on tuberculosis. The comic book features Mr. Figo as the main character and targets children and young adults. The aim is for them to learn more on tuberculosis. Key messages embedded in the story focus on prevention and treatment of the disease, on the determinants of tuberculosis - malnutrition, living conditions - and on tuberculosis and HIV co-infection. Tuberculosis is a leading killer of people living with HIV.

Event Plan (Proposed Scenario) -

The main objective of the event is to offer children and adolescents an opportunity to increase their knowledge about tuberculosis and HIV through football. The proposal is to have a workshop on tuberculosis and HIV, followed by a tournament and street match.

Workshop:

It should be organized one-two weeks in advance of major event. At the beginning of the workshop, students will fill out a questionnaire to assess their knowledge about tuberculosis and HIV (only if students belong to same age-group). They will then participate in a class activity on the subject - this could include reading the comic book and/or watching the cartoon with presentation and discussion on key TB/HIV messages tailored to the age group involved. As activity, students will be asked to create a drawing with slogan to be used for increasing knowledge of tuberculosis and HIV. A post-test to test acquired information on TB/HIV should follow the event (only if students belong to same age-group)

Tournament - Street Match

Boys and girls will be divided into several mixed teams and will play in a short tournament. The two finalist teams will play on 1 December. Football star Luis Figo will play with both teams - one time each (tentative). The winning team will be awarded a Stop Tuberculosis Cup signed by Luis Figo. The Stop Tuberculosis Cup will be awarded by:

1. Stop TB Ambassador, Luis Figo (tentative) 2. UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Stop Tuberculosis and former President of the Portuguese Republic, Dr Jorge Sampaio (confirmed) 3. UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Sports, Development, and Peace, Mr Wilfried Lemke

• WORLD_HEALTH_ORGANIZATION.doc (DOC)

On 22nd September 2009, Vijana Amani Pamoja, VAP conducted a scale up training of trainers’ TOT course at Kiragu social hall.A total of 15 peer educators went through a TOT that emphasised on Skills of using the power of soccer in the fight against HIV.The training also included HIV/AIDS biology and was all about a new revised curriculum dubbed’Skillz curriculum”.Skillz curriculum now contains 10 sessions with some new and simple activities that are well tailored made for youth ages 11-20 years. “Am proud to attend the TOT as well as adapting the new curriculum. The lessons and activities that I have learnt will go along way towards empowering me and the youth that I will be teaching.” Said Edwin Ochieng, VAP peer educator.Skillz participants will be entitled to finish the entire curriculum for them to be graduated with certificates that empower them to become HIV/AIDS ambassadors and teach their peers and families.

OUR SUCCESS!

Soccer has been like a universal language, simply arriving on any field or any open space with a soccer ball, wins INSTANT friendship. For communicating life changing messages, VAP has been using soccer as the most effective conduit because the sport: attracts youth, provides role models; key for behaviour change and it’s universally understood. VAP peer educators have so far graduated 4,300 youth from our community centres and schools and are optimistic of reaching out to 7,500 youth by the end of 2010, the year that brings global football attention to South Africa. “My participation in the Skillz program has been of great impact to my life, and the lives of my friends whom I have taught. Now I can make a wise decision about my future life. “Said, 14 years old Winnie Wambui, a program participant from Church Army primary school.

2010 WORLD CUP AND OUR TARGET

As the world is warming up for the biggest football extravanza, World Cup 2010 in South Africa, VAP is appealing to your continuous financial support as they strive to reach their 2010 vision of reaching out to 7,500 youth by the end of 2010.VAP hopes to empower these young people who will also be empowered to conduct peer education activities within their community, reaching out to thousands more through formal and informal educational sessions.

For the second time, world football governing body FIFA through its Corporate Social Responsibility granted Vijana Amani Pamoja, (VAP) with funds to boost its grassrootsoccer project that creates awareness of HIV/AIDS through a soccer themed curriculum. The FIFA funding to VAP came via a strategic alliance geared towards the Millennium Development Goals between streetfooballworld; www.streetfootballworld.org and FIFA.The two have been using football as an instrument for social development for many years in a variety of ways. “We as VAP feel very much honoured and privileged to secure FIFA funds again for the second year running. Through the first funding we were able to reach out to our goals and graduated the targeted number of 2,500 students who were equipped with HIV/AIDS information and were certified as HIV ambassadors. This funding creates more trust and believe from FIFA and other donors whom we appreciate a lot for their continued support. We also believe the power of opinions, suggestions and questions in order to move forward and I take this opportunity to welcome feedback from our extinguished donors.”Said, Nancy Waweru, program officer.

• FIFA.doc (DOC)

Michael Acton and Christine Illanes are students who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 17th they visited "Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS." When asked what they would tell their friends about this project, they said: “Great: They are making a difference."

Michael writes:

We visited Nancy in her office that CASL shares with Best Buddies Kenya. It was a small room that was full of activity. People would call or stop by to see what the next steps were.

That afternoon we went to visit a slum where some of the volunteers visit schools to discuss HIV/AIDS. In one classroom we watched a training session as they reviewed methods by which HIV/AIDS can and cannot be transmitted. They also discussed ways to support those infected by HIV/AIDS. We were a little surprised at the age of the children as they openly discussed topics that would not be mentioned in western classrooms. That's when it hit us that this was not a lesson in HIV/AIDS theory to be known but with consequences hardly faced, but that this was a part of their daily life.

Christine writes:

I met Nancy Njeri from the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), which changed their name from CASL to something in Swahili. While I can’t remember what the new name is, the new acronym is VAP. The original plan was to meet only with VAP, but I discovered that Best Buddies and VAP are run by the same people, so I ended up meeting with both. It was a hectic day, and totally exhausting, but well worth it! While the building that their “office” is in looked really fancy from the outside, the office itself was the size of a closet. They made the most of it, cramming 2 desks with computers and a small refrigerator (for selling drinks to support the project). Nancy, and VAP, loves Global Giving since it was the first to finance their activities and is still their major source of funding.

VAP runs three different programs, whose main goal is to teach kids about HIV/AIDS by using how popular soccer is to create a relationship with the children that they can use to educate them about difficult issues. Later in the week I met a beneficiaries of VAP who was employed, thanks to the work that VAP is doing, by another Global Giving NGO, Alive and Kicking. They’ve also added a girl’s advocacy program called RAMBO, I don’t know if that’s the correct spelling but I prefer it. RAMBO means beautiful girl, which I think is awesome! VAP’s motto is that “Even if you’re not infected, everyone is affected.”

After meeting with Nancy, one of their youth volunteers named Charles came to escort us to one of the field sites. It was my first time riding a matatu, which is kind of like a bus and kind of like a taxi, but also not anything like either. We got off at one of the smaller Nairobi slums, all I remember is trash everywhere, and open sewer drains running through the “streets.” I don’t think that Charles was prepared for the attention that we received, with every kid and some adults shouting “How are you” in English to us. That was all they knew, since any attempt to respond just got blank looks. I’m still curious why just about everyone in Kenya knew that one phrase, it’s not like they could pick it up on TV, maybe it’s said on the radio a lot, I don’t know.

I managed to pick up two followers all my own. The girl couldn’t have been more than 10 and her sister at least half that, but they decided following me was more interesting than going home, so we formed a parade through the slum. I couldn’t help myself from slowing down to make sure that the girls, especially the littlest one, could make the jumps over the open sewage, which was silly since they lived there, so of course she could. The oddest thing was the eldest’s reaction to a motorcycle that came through the slum. It was going very fast, but she was terrified, running from it in genuine fear and hiding. I don’t know if she was afraid of being run over or grabbed, but it was disturbing. When we started walking again, I felt a little hand grab mine, and we stayed that way until we came to a junction that must have led back to her home. I’m sure she had a great time telling her family and friends about the day!

Soon after we reached the school where Charles was going to teach his class on HIV/AIDs, and I sat through the 10 minute class. The class was very adult, with most of the kids parroting some things it was clear that they didn’t understand. Charles said it’s because they will take that information home to their families, as well as hopefully remember it when they are old enough to understand. The school itself was depressing, made of metal sheeting, which meant that the school itself was a kind of oven; I was certainly baking once we went inside. Two of the kids were obviously very bright, checking previous notes and taking new ones. I was sad about what their schooling prospects were, such wasted potential, but I hope that they get lucky and manage to succeed. At least the VAP program will give them a better chance at surviving. It was another exhausting day in Kenya, but well worth the visit and experience.

For the first time in the history of FIFA practitioners and stakeholders from around the world came together to explore the commitment of football to social development and to help determine the way forward for football for hope movement, a movement that uses the power of the game for social change. From grassroot organizations working at community

• FFH_GGreport.doc (DOC)

SCORING TO THE NET OF THE VCT CENTRE

Statistics show that soccer in Kenya is the sport that matters. Every town has a team. Players are heroes and role models. Simply arriving at a dusty field with a soccer ball wins instant friendships. The global soccer community has a responsibility in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We lead this effort, using the power and popularity of the game, to teach girls and boys aged 13-18 years about HIV/AIDS awareness and critical life skills. KICK N TEST VCT SOCCER TOURNAMENT

On 4th April 2009, Vijana Amani Pamoja - VAP (former CASL) went a notch higher by hosting a Kick N Test VCT soccer tournament. An exciting day of football, voluntary counseling and testing - VCT and grassroot soccer activities. The tournament was organized under the theme of “jijue” (Swahilli language, means ‘Know yourself’). A total of 16 teams both boys and girls of ages 13-18 years from all the walks of Eastlands part of Nairobi converged at Bahati Community centre in readiness to participate in this unique 7-a-side street football tournament. The top two teams from each group played in the final to be crowned Kick N Test champions.

AN EXTRA BOOST OFF THE FIELD

What made this tournament special? The teams did not get points only for winning or drawing a match, but also for participating in the Grassroot Soccer activities and VCT over the course of the day. In the event of a tie, these extra points were more important than the points from a match. Out of 120 participants 65 youth were tested and every youth/player that was tested walked out with a t-shirt plus a bonus point to his/her team.

One player from each age group was chosen as Soccer Champion, based on his/her performance in the tournament, and one as Spirit Champion, based on his/her enthusiasm in the Grassroot Soccer activities.

WAY FORWARD

Following the success and the out-come of this first tournament hosted by VAP ever, we are focused and determined to leave no stone unturned and take every soccer opportunity to fight HIV/AIDS amongst our community. VAP is hoping to organize more of this tournaments and it is now seeking more financial support from donors and well wisher from all the walks of the world.

• KNT REPORT.doc (DOC)

In downtown Nairobi I waited for Eunice Ndeche, the founder of Capitol Area Soccer League (www.globalgiving.org/1885) to show me to his offices. The 4-lane highway was clogged with Matatus and buses. I noticed a few horse carts dodging traffic in the nearest lane, opposite the Kenyan Central Bank. Only there weren’t any horses or donkeys, just burley men dragging supplies on their carts. I reached for a camera to save this strange juxtaposition of modern and archaic. One of them smiled at me as he gave the yolk of his cart a yank. He smiled at me. “Hey wazzap!” he said.

CASL’s offices were on the 6th floor of a 20-floor high rise. As we boarded the elevator, I thought, this doesn’t feel like a typical globalgiving project! I thought our projects are village-based grassroots operations. When I saw CASL’s office I understood. CASL (http://www.globalgiving.com/pr/1900/proj1885b.html) and Best Buddies Kenya (www.globalgiving.com/1741) share one five-foot square cubicle subleted from another company. CASL has a staff of 18 with 2 full time employees. They all cram in here when they need to. This is what “cost-effective change” looks like; two NGOs crammed into one cubicle because there isn’t enough donor money to support the Geneva convention’s minimum human space requirements. Each of these organizations operate on less than $5000 a year and they need your help. They don’t have money for big ad campaigns or media consultants. The staff is a handful of 20-something youths trying to curb the spread of AIDS. Imagine what you could do for them if you just re-tweeted their needs or used GlobalGiving’s new “tell a friend” tool to help them as a “virtual volunteer.” We’re on a listening tour of Kenya because there is so much more we can learn from our client organizations in person. The organizations I’ve seen are not always as I expected, but I have been impressed with what they’ve done with our donors’ support.

CASL is planning a soccer tournament in two weeks (www.globalgiving.org/1885). They wanted to host 16 teams but currently only have funding for half that. They’ve successfully courted ColaCola and SarafiCom (mobile phones) in the past but the economic downturn has put a damper on youth sports AIDS prevention. They expect to host 60 players. All will be tested for HIV and will partake in AIDS awareness education. I got them signed up on twitter and you should be able to follow the tournament live on March 28th, 2009 (@endeche or @globalgiving on twitter). In addition they have a youth network of teacher trainers who go to schools and combine sports education with AIDS prevention messages. The two full time staff look to be in their twenties. These truly are youth teaching youth. Michael Kremer wrote that for what it costs to treat one AIDS patient for one year, you could prevent new infections worth 25 to 110 years of life. If just one of their four projects was fully funded, over 1800 years of combined AIDS-free living would result (using Michael Kremer’s upper estimate and the AIDS treatment cost per person). Nancy Waweru manages a similar project to empower girls and educate them about AIDS (www.globalgiving.org/2221). Her workshops emphasize “reproductive health,” meaning they discuss healthy relationships, sex, abortion, menstruation, STDs, and fighting stimga. “What is one organization you really admire for the work they do?” I asked Nancy. She immediately replied “Step by step!” “Why?” “They are new but have already done much. They hosted a very effective workshop on reproductive health at Kaimbo. They also got CocaCola to sponsor it. And they work with ‘deviant girls.’ They are not so easy to work with.” Great Nancy! Thanks to you and Eunice for meeting with me. It was an honor. And know that if our projects recommend another organization, you can bet we’ll invite them to join GlobalGiving in the future. This is how we uncover great new organizations. Whether big or small, new or old, any legitimate, recommended, social media-savvy organization has the same opportunity to attract funding on our site.

Saturday 6th of December 2008 was a memorable day for the youth of Nairobi. It was by far the biggest concert ever

• Report Jipange.doc (DOC)

On Nov 18th,2008,102 GRS graduands at Church Army Academy just completed the GRS HIV/AIDS intervention program

• GRS_progress_report_nov_08.pdf (PDF)
  

Despite the distribution exercise, CASL got down to its normal outreach activities by conducting its HIV/AIDS to even the vulnerable and most under valued population. A total of 60 students from Jacaranda special school gathered together for the teachings of HIV/AIDS awareness conducted by 4 CASL’s peer educators. The students went through various awareness activities including ‘FIND THE BALL’ who main logic is to advise people to visit VCT to know their HIV status. As CASL is implementing these activities even to the most forgotten society, it would like to appeal for more donors to make this a reality.

• GLOBAL GIVING REPORT.doc (DOC)

On 28th, May 2008, world football governing body FIFA through its Corporate Social Responsibility added a spanner into the works of Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) to boost its grassrootsoccer project that creates awareness of HIV/AIDS through a soccer themed curriculum. The FIFA funding to CASL came via a strategic alliance geared towards the Millennium Development Goals between streetfooballworld; www.streetfootballworld.org and FIFA.The two have been using football as an instrument for social development for many years in a variety of ways. However, it was not until 2005 that the two entities started working together in order to maximize the potential of football as a significant contributor towards the achievement of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

STREETFOOTBALLWORLD

The Streetfootballworld Network was set up in 2002 with the common vision to bring about social and human development through the use of football. Increased recognition of common work-that of all Network members and the team at the streetfootballworld in Berlin –has led to tremendous developments over the last years. Streetfootballworld acts as an interface between the streetfootballworld Network members and companies and institutions that are interested in investing in and cooperating with the field of Development through Football. By offering investment opportunities(projects)and developing corporate Citizenship(CC)strategies with these interested institutions,Streetfootballworld aims at establishing a support structure for the streetfootballworld Network that enables it to expand its activities and its goals.

FOOTBALL FOR HOPE The Football for Hope Movement is the key element of the strategic alliance between FIFA and streetfootballworld. It was created to enhance dialogue and collaboration between locally active organizations advancing social development and football associations, committed clubs and players, professional leagues as well as involved commercial partners. The Movement aims to utilize the role of football in the society in order to contribute to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. THE FUNDING The one year funding will be used to scale up CASL’s HIV/AIDS GRS activities in 3 schools and 3 community centres by targeting 2,500 students by May 2009.With the already set 2010 initiative, CASL is optimistic that with the financial support they are appealing for-they will reach 3,500 students by the close of 2010.

• FIFA Report.doc (DOC)

Following the closure of schools for the April holidays,Capital Area Soccer Leagu e organized a HIV/AIDS seminar for chi ldren ages 12-18 Years..

• Seminar 2.doc (DOC)

December 27, 2007 was a significant day for the Kenyans-- a day that many Kenyans were looking forward to exercise their constitutional rights...

Please read below about the situation in Kenya post-election and our slum relief program.

• KIAMBUI SLUM RELIEF PROGRAM.doc (DOC)

On December 1st, CASL joined millions of organizations and people all over the world in celebration of the World AIDS day. CASL used this day by organizing a youth soccer tournament for under 12 and 14 youth teams from Kinyago and Majengo slums where the prevalence of the scourge is skyrocketing. Alongside participating in the tournament, youth were also given information regarding HIV/AIDS.

• CASL TOURNAMENT.doc (DOC)