When new clubs are set-up, BRAC's strategy is to initially focus more on engaging the girls with fun activities, one of which includes encouraging the girls to play Netball. Netball is a limited-contact team sport originating from the United States similar to, and derived from Basketball. Little did I realize that its also very popular among the adolescent girls in Uganda.
During my recent visit to a adolescent club in the Nyendo, located in Western Uganda, I had a chance to capture the club memebrs from the SENYANGE 'A' club playing a Netball game. Below is a short video:
As we sat down to talk to the club member, I noticed that many of the girls who were playing Netball were also teenage mothers, and their babies were sleeping under the tree when they were playing the game. It was then that I realized that Netball was more than just a game for these girls. It was a chance for them to reclaim their lost adolescence. And the small investment that BRAC Uganda is making in setting these clubs goes a long way in helping these adolescents to temporarily forget their burdens, and be girls again.
BRAC Uganda is planning to organize cultural competitions and Netball tournaments for the adolescent girls in Uganda. It could be very well possible that in the near future, we would have a Ugandan Netball team, competing in the Olympics (Netball is an Olympic sport since 1995!)
Click here to learn more about Girl Effect, a global movement to help adolescent girls break the cycle of poverty. You can also support BRAC's Adolescent Girls programs through Global Giving
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