I have attended many Kibera Mpira Mtaani football matches and tournament finals over the past 3 years. Finals days are always busy with good crowds showing up and at least 5 matches to be played, often with lots of penalty kicks. So I thought I knew what to expect as I went along to the pitch for the finals of the Informal Schools Tournament on Friday 16th October. I was wrong.
This was a tournament unlike any other in Kibera. I hadn’t realised just how unique it was until I spoke to some of the teachers who were coaching their school teams. They told me that no other organisation provides a tournament for informal schools. Government Schools enjoy activities every term – football, athletics, music and drama festivals. There are only 3 accessible government schools servicing Kibera – so the majority of children never have the opportunity to show off their talents.
Coach Badi of Olympic Academy told me “Mpira Mtaani is the only organisation that arranges an event for informal schools. It’s very good to have co-curricular activities and gives the children the chance to nurture skills and friendships. Football gets them fit, makes their minds stable and gives them something else other than school and homework”.
I then spoke to Daniel, head teacher from St. Christine’s primary school. He said the tournament “…gives us a chance to identify hidden talents. Schools don’t have time or space to do sports so this helps them. Children can make friends and understand what other schools are doing.” He then added “It promotes peace for me, Kibera is usually known for violence.”
Speaking to these people, you realise just what a powerful tool football can be and why Kibera Mpira Mtaani push for tournaments like this. We are very grateful to our sponsor who made it possible for the tournament to go ahead.
The teams which made it to the finals were Slome and Makina Self Help for the girls and Undugu and Calvary for the boys. The crowds which showed up to support them were big in number and also in voice. I have never heard so much cheering at a finals day. Even teachers got excited when their players gained possession and were shouting and encouraging their team. One of the girls’ teams had more than 6 teachers around them at half time offering words of support. At the award ceremony at the end, there were prizes for the most supportive teachers, rather than those whose team had won.
Prizes included football shirts for individual awards, footballs and book vouchers for winning teams. By providing practical awards, the tournament is seen to assist parents as well as schools.
You can read what the children thought of the tournament by reading interviews by Claris Akinyi, committee member of Kibera Mpira Mtaani.
There has been a lot of talk in the world press about the World Cup in Africa in 2010 and how this is an opportunity to improve education and the lives of children in Africa. By supporting Kibera Mpira Mtaani, YOU can play a part in that. We need sponsors for their activities in 2010 so that we can provide tournaments for these children in Kibera who have talents, energy and appreciation for your support.
If you would like to support Kibera Mpira Mtaani in 2010, please use our contact form to get in touch.