
Summary of RMF/WCF-sponsored activities carried out during the reporting period under each project objective (note any changes from original plans)
- Participated in the Amis under 17 Tournament and came in 2nd place overall.
- Purchased and gave out exercise books to the orphaned and vulnerable children when children were reporting for their 1st term in February.
- During trainings and other sports activities, children are always served a meal.
- RMF recruited a full time staff member (Christine Kasabira Hilda) at Buwate to promote professionalism and work ethics that RMF stands for.
- Children under sponsorship had their school fees paid by RMF.
- Purchased 30 balls, 15 pairs of soccer shoes/boots and goalkeeper gloves.
- Wages for cooks are paid every month by RMF.
- Purchase of food (rice, maize flour, cooking oil) and charcoal by RMF to support the children with daily food.
- 26 more children were added on the list of sponsored children.
- Kabarinda Madina, a widow in Buwate with 4 grandchildren received assistance with the children’s school fees and treating one suffering from an eye ailment.
- 4 boys were given bursaries/scholarships at affluent schools in Kampala. The bursaries run from senior two to senior 6. The boys include: Eddy Kiryowa, Baduru Ssoni, Monday Ivan and Kiseka Samson.
- Transported children to participate in the Amis tournament
- Held a Women’s Day celebration: Women shared their challenges and achievements, accompanied by a meal and women/girls soccer game sponsored by RMF
- Hosted RMF CEO, Dr. Martina Fuchs, who inspired children with her speech, love and passion for children
Results and/or accomplishments achieved during this reporting period:
- Signed MOU between RMF and St. Michael Church of Uganda- Buwate
- Land offered to the academy for the construction of the health centre and tailoring was officially shown to RMF’s CEO and RMF Uganda team.
- Purchased soccer/football boots, balls, and goalkeeper gloves.
- Purchased food, charcoal and cooking oil.
- Wages for cooks were paid.
- 26 more children were added on the sponsorship list.
- 4 boys got bursaries/scholarships in affluent schools because of their talent in football.
- Bought scholastic materials for children.
- Participated in the Amis under 17 Tournament where we emerged second.
- School fees for children on bursary at Buwate were paid.
- Gathered women in Buwate community to share their challenges during the International Women’s Day
- Organized women’s soccer on International Women’s Day
Impact this project has on the community (who is benefiting and how):
- One of the major functions of this project is that of a safe haven for the youths of Buwate and Kireka that we are targeting, many of them desperately poor.
- The food we are providing is often the only food the youths are receiving in a given day.
- By providing the opportunity to be physically active and play, the youths are practicing their sports skills and are supervised and safe during that time.
- During their gathering, the youths are also receiving more general counseling and guidance.
- We have seen significant improvement of sports skills as well as the morale of all camp youths and staff.
- The youths were able to display their sports skills during the annual sports gala.
- The standard of living of the youths and community members of Buwate and Kireka have improved due to the goods we were able to provide.
- The health situation of the children and youth we are serving has improved since we are taking them to a nearby clinic for comprehensive healthcare services, funded by RMF/MTCF. Their medical bills are also paid.
- The project has united the community, with the secular youth and the church now working together.
The children in the Buwate Sports Academy have exercised, practiced and improved on their sports talents, and are able to display their sports skills during sports galas.
- Through organized gatherings/meetings, youths have been receiving various counseling, promoting positive behavior change. Some parents have come to testify that their children’s behaviors have changed positively in significant ways.
- Promoting gender equity, for instance the community had a mentality that soccer was only for men but now they see girls exhibiting serious skills; this is promoting an attitude change.
- The bond of friendship between Buwate and RMF has grown tremendously.
- Boys and Girls who had low self-esteem have had their esteem boosted because of working together. For instance, some boys and girls who could not put their opinion across now can speak out.
- There is now spontaneous participation from the youth because they see hope in the academy activities.
- There is now a strong bond of friendship between the parents of the children in the academy.
- Concentration on academic studies among the children in the academy has improved.
- English version bibles that were in the container have enabled the church to begin an English service.
- The area local political and opinion leaders have developed interest in the academy activities. This is manifested in frequent visits to the academy office.
Background
In early 2013, RMF, the Mother Teresa Children’s Foundation in Italy (Devoti Madre Terese Per I Bambini) and World Children’s Fund started funding support of the Buwate Sports Academy. Buwate Sports Academy is a sports club and activity group for children living in Buwate village, Kira Town, Kampala District. The Buwate Sports Academy seeks develop the youth advancement component of our humanitarian work through games, sports training, vocational training and other educational opportunities.
Objectives
- Provide funding to assist the operations and growth of Buwate Sports Academy
- Provide funding to allow children from surrounding slums to attend school
- Provide funding for vocational training opportunities including tailoring, hairdressing, and cosmetology
- Increase Buwate’s popularity in hopes that this will attract social services from the government and other development partners
More Reports on: Buwate Sports Academy Archive
Country Page: Uganda
Initiative Page: Buwate Sports Academy