Play and Excel: Empowering Girls through Sport
Apr 30, 2025
initiative
Seeking
Collaboration
Photo Credit: Orah Bayit Foundation
Play&Excel girls during a training session in Kaduna
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gbsEUXVGNsVcV5Phl9-EMR8gBj_-JGSL/view?usp=sharing
overview
"Play and Excel" is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering girls from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and low-income households in Kaduna, Nigeria. By engaging 100 girls in structured sports programs, the project seeks to enhance mental health, promote education, develop essential life skills, and foster personal growth. The initiative also strives to challenge gender norms and encourage inclusivity in sports.
Current Challenges
Kaduna State continues to grapple with security challenges that have led to the displacement of numerous families. Girls who are IDPs face compounded vulnerabilities, including disrupted education, economic hardship, and increased risks of early marriage and child labour. The closure of some IDP camps to reopen schools has further strained resources, affecting access to education and recreational activities for displaced children.
Our Approach
Building on the successful launch by the Orah Bayit Foundation , "Play and Excel" leverages sports as a tool for empowerment and social change. The program encompasses:
- Structured Sports Training: Regular sessions in football, to build physical fitness and teamwork.
- Life Skills Workshops: Training in leadership, communication, and resilience to prepare girls for future challenges.
- Educational Support: Tutoring and mentorship to encourage school attendance and academic achievement.
- Community Engagement: Organizing sports events to foster community cohesion and challenge gender stereotypes.
The program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 5 (Gender Equality), contributing to broader development objectives.
Long-Term Impact
Empowering girls through sports has demonstrated positive outcomes, including increased school retention, delayed marriage, and enhanced self-esteem. By providing a supportive environment, "Play and Excel" aims to nurture future leaders and role models who can inspire change within their communities. The program's emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment seeks to create a ripple effect, promoting gender equality and social cohesion in Kaduna State.
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