Uganda: Buwate Sports Academy

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 2^nd place overall.
• Purchased and gave out exercise books to the orphaned and vulnerable children when children were reporting for their 1^st 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.