We often speak of the value of our football tournaments. This time round, we thought we would give the children a voice and let them tell you why they liked the Kibera Mpira Mtaani Informal Schools Tournament.
KMM committee member, Claris Akinyi, interviewed 8 players about the week-long event that took place in October. Here are their comments…
Maureen Akinyi – Olypmic Academy
(a) Students from other schools are able to identify my talent
(b) I am given the chance to play and enjoy the game
(c) I enjoy being cheered by my schoolmates
Joseph Shirangi – St. Charles Lwanga
(a) I am able to meet more friends from different schools
(b) For the first time, I am able to play football
(c) I was able to identify more than 10 schools
Alice Awuor – St. John
(a) We are able to have a school team
(b) I am happy to see school mates playing
(c) It has given us the opportunity to visit other school
(d) The games are always fair (with no injuries)
(e) Clubs are able to identify good players from the tournament
Grace Akinyi – Slome
(a) I am able to show my talent
(b) I got the opportunity to visit other places
(c) My school managed to be the best team
Vellah Karea – Makina Self Help
(a) There is something eatable for the teams
(b) My school is able to compete against other schools
Erick Otieno – Undugu
(a) We are able to show team work as a school
(b) I feel happy when a teacher appreciates my effort in the game
Haroon Ali – Makina Self Help
(a) The games are fair without complaints
(b) Awards are majorly books which are good for students
(c) There is something for us to compete for
Henry Kwamba – St. John
(a) We are able to change their environment (and see other places)
(b) I was able to interact with students from other schools
Claris also told us why, as a committee member and a footballer, she feels this tournament was important.
“It gives students a chance to participate and reduce the boredom of being in class. They have an opportunity to move from their school to other schools and interact with other students. It gives children the motivation to work harder in class and matches encourage them to work harder to win rewards for their school. Many students are not allowed to play for clubs as they are located a far distance from their schools. This tournament gives them an opportunity to expose their talents.”
Many thanks to Claris for these interviews and we hope that anyone who doubted the value of sport in education has now been convinced!
If you would like to support the work of Kibera Mpira Mtaani in 2010, the year the World Cup comes to Africa, please use our contact form to get in touch.
