Heralded as the world’s most popular sport, soccer is known for its unifying and accessible nature. It can be played anywhere, doesn’t need much equipment, has easy-to-understand rules, and is relatively affordable – all you need is a ball.
In rural Uganda, a group of dedicated teachers are using soccer to transform their school. Leveraging the power of sports, this playful solution is inspiring attendance and fostering a love of learning amongst students at Rodo Primary School in Moyo, Uganda.
In remote communities like Moyo, students face many barriers to education, like long distances to school, school fees, and economic pressures to work instead of attending school.
For girls and young women, limited access to education is compounded by gender stereotypes, and schools may lack gender-responsive teaching approaches and opportunities needed for girls to gain self-confidence and motivation.
Many children who attend Rodo Primary School also live in refugee settlements. Moyo is located in the West Nile region, which hosts refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
For these students living as refugees in fragile contexts, the barriers to education and consequences of school dropout are even greater – and for girls and young women, the impacts of conflict amplify pre-existing gendered barriers to education.
Using soccer and other games as a magnet to draw students back to school, the sports program is both an avenue for physical activity and a powerful incentive for students to engage with their education and build self-confidence.
The sports program also provides an environment for young women and girls to engage with the game and challenge gender stereotypes.
This is part of AKFC’s and WUSC’s Adolescent Girls’ Education in Crisis Initiative (AGENCI), a project focused on promoting the empowerment of girls and young women pursuing an education in crisis-affected areas.