We’ve been keeping busy the last couple of days at Nakivale Secondary School – first installing a regulation volleyball net and court and then a running track. Today is our last day working on the school’s new sports center. And we saved the futbol pitch for last – home to a boys and girls team at the Secondary School.
In addition to fixing up the field with painted lines, new goal posts and nets, we also provided equipment for the teams. The students were ecstatic to receive new uniforms and balls. And the coaches were happy to have whistles and foul cards – things that are necessary for hosting games in their new space.
“This standard pitch becomes a model recreation sporting center” says Ali, the headmaster. “Now we can invite other schools here for games.”
The students were happy in their new space too, lining up to take team pictures with their new equipment, and practicing shots on goal with the new nets hung perfectly in place.
Audrey, a teacher at the school, was grateful for the transformation of the sports areas. “Sports keep us physically fit” she sais. But beyond that, these spaces give students something to dream about for their future. The life of a refugee can be hard – where plans and wishes are put on hold or altered, and dreams are seldom achieved. But this time was different. “Thank you for fulfilling the promise” Audrey says. “Now we have hope.”
Special thanks to Karla Nagy, Sara, Clif Bar, David Winston, The Eisenmenger Family, Megan, Anthony Indelicato, Robin Toewe and
anonymous supporters for making the Nakivale futbol field of dreams happen!
