Project Launch: 2-8-16

Malaria rates are very high in the Northwest region in Zambia, where many communities are vulnerable and health clinics are overworked. This project will train community health workers to implement Grassroots Soccer programming, which uses soccer, sports and malaria prevention workshops to educate and empower youth to minimize their risk of getting malaria. The goal is to implement an annual camp that will host over 50 youth leaders each year. As a result of this project, the region will have better equipped health workers and engaged youth who are empowered to fight the malaria epidemic.

Final Report: 4/30/16

The camp was attended by 46 youth leaders, local counterparts and two Grassroots Soccer coaches. Through interactive games, the participants learned about malaria risks and prevention and the workshops dispelled many myths around malaria that are commonly spread throughout the communities. The camp was led by many local female counterparts, which provided an opportunity for them to develop their leadership skills and establish themselves as role models for younger female participants. Since the camp, the youth leaders have returned to their communities, created youth clubs and begun to share their experiences with their peers.

Testimonials

"I love learning new information to teach to people in my village. We need people to realize that they can change and fix this problem with Malaria. Bit by bit we can do this together." - Kennedy, Project Participant 

"This project has given girls and females the chance to learn and be leaders in the community. I'm happy to see females becoming leaders in our community." - Michal, Project Leader 

"Thank you so much for inviting me to this program. I have learned so much and am very excited to show my community what I have learned. I will always remember this program." - Neli, Project Participant 

"I have chosen to be a leader for this community. I want to teach people that we can change malaria and we don't have to be suffering like this. Thank you for choosing me to be a leader in the community and teach others the new skills I will learn." - Kelvin, Project Participant