When I first heard about soccer being used to educate people about proper hygiene practices, I honestly did not know how the two were related. But for many in Africa, soccer is not only a sport bringing people together but an opportunity to promote WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene education) to young people.
In Uganda, unrest and violence have broken up communities and local leaders realized that soccer was something that could bring people together again. Soccer can also help communicate in a fun and engaging way proper water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
To play on a team, a person must be using a latrine, a handwashing station, and a dish-drying rack. Each player receives WASH training so he/she can promote it at home and school. During half time, players perform songs and skits on WASH in an entertaining way.
Mojazima Inc., creators of the Sport Africa brand, donated soccer balls to Ryan’s Well for distribution on our trips abroad. Sport Africa’s 1000th ball was provided to us in celebration of their work.
Hear Jane Baird, Ryan’s Well, Executive Director and Jim talk about the importance of soccer in the lives of children on CTV News – Ottawa.
In October, some of the soccer balls were sent on our monitoring trip to Haiti and the remainder will go to Africa in 2012. Thank you to Jim McKaig of Mojazima Inc. for making it happen!
It's clear that soccer is a fun and easy way to unite groups of people. Who knew it was also such a simple way to help prevent illness!