Africa Goal Organization

In the face of accelerated urbanization trends especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, the focus of the traditional poverty alleviation agenda has shifted from rural areas to a greater attention devoted to urban poverty. Despite the often held assumptions of urban advantage in terms of health and economic conditions, the proliferation of informal urban settlements , that are increasingly absorbing most of the urban population, is notably acute in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and in Kenya in particular . In Sub-Saharan Africa, about 70 % of the urban population lives under 2 USD, poverty line and in Nairobi which hosts one third of the Kenya’s urban population, 60 % resides in informal urban settlements and 73 % of the slum population lives under the national poverty line of USD 42 a month. An acute aspect associated with the aforementioned is the deterioration in urban health and social indicators, and especially the adverse outcomes in relation to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.

Despite the critical nature of the transitory period to adulthood, the international development discourse as well as the public health research has primarily focused on SRHR, HIV/AIDS and family planning among adult women, without acknowledging the specific SRHR outcomes for adolescents created by the transition to adulthood. The aforementioned health sector reforms were also implemented in the Kenyan context, in which health financing was considered as the major barrier for the improvement of public health systems and quality. Emphasis was put on cost-sharing and involvement of private/third sector in the delivery of health services. One of the most important measures taken was the introduction of user fees stressing the individual’s responsibility for their own health. Indeed, the health care services in Nairobi’s slums are primarily provided by privately owned informal health facilities and are often unlicensed, unsupervised and characterized by low quality, insufficient equipment, and lack of supplies and shortages of trained personnel. For example, women who seek maternal health services are not always able to reach the not-for-profit health providers and/or cannot receive good quality care through public providers due to the latter being underfinanced and lacking of most basic essentials. The private health care facilities some of which are well-equipped are often accessed based on pay-before- service, which remains problematic given the limited financial means of the slum population leading to a reduction in health seeking behaviour. Targeting and disintegration of health services is argued to «waste resources and to undermine access. Targeting of health services, reflects the overall social development paradigm prominent in developing contexts based on an idea of «safety nets», creating targeted programs for targeted groups of people, emphasized not least by international donors . The international conference on population and development held in Cairo in 1994 has marked an important point in setting SRHR on the international agenda.

The conference for the first time shifted the focus from top-down population policies aiming to reduce fertility and population growth, to underline the SRHR of women. This included, having safe and satisfying sexual life, access to appropriate safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning based on informed choice and dignity, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs/HIV, services for safe pregnancy and childbirth, elimination of harmful practices, emphasis on poverty alleviation, girls’ education, women’s’ empowerment and reproductive rights .

Sport for SRHR is an approach that uses sports to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

• Providing SRHR education and information through sports programming. Coaches and other sports leaders can use their platform to talk to young people about SRHR topics such as contraception, safe abortion, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This can be done through formal workshops and discussions, or more informal conversations.
• Creating a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about and discuss SRHR. Sports can provide a safe space for young people to ask questions and learn about SRHR topics without fear of judgment or stigma.
• Empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Sports can help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives. This includes learning about their options for contraception, safe abortion, and how to protect themselves from SGBV.
• Promoting gender equality and social justice through sports. Sports can be used to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. This can create a more enabling environment for SRHR.

Sport for SRHR serves people of all ages and genders, but it is particularly beneficial for young people, especially those who live in marginalized communities. Sports can provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR topics, develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and challenge harmful gender stereotypes. Sports for SRHR can impact the lives of young people by:

• Increased knowledge of SRHR topics: Sports for SRHR programs can provide young people with accurate and up-to-date information about SRHR topics such as contraception, safe abortion, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This knowledge can help young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
• Improved skills and confidence: Sports can help young people to develop a variety of skills that are important for sexual and reproductive health, such as communication skills, negotiation skills, and decision-making skills. Sports can also help young people to develop confidence in their own abilities and their right to make their own choices about their bodies and their lives.
• Challenging harmful gender stereotypes: Sports can be used to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. For example, sports for SRHR programs can promote the idea that girls and women have just as much right as boys and men to participate in sports and to be physically active. This can help to create a more enabling environment for SRHR.
• Improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes: Sports for SRHR programs have been shown to improve a variety of sexual and reproductive health outcomes, such as increased condom use, delayed sexual initiation, and reduced rates of unintended pregnancy and STIs.
• Reduced vulnerability to SGBV: Sports for SRHR programs can help to reduce young people's vulnerability to SGBV by teaching them about their rights, how to protect themselves, and how to seek help if they are a victim of SGBV.

My team and I are well-positioned to deliver sport for SRHR because we have a number of strengths and assets that make us well-suited to this work. These include; expertise in SRHR and sports: We have a team of experts in both SRHR and sports who can develop and implement effective sports for SRHR programs. Our team has experience working with a variety of populations, including young people, women, and marginalized communities, global reach: We have a global network of partners and collaborators who can help us to deliver sports for SRHR programs in a variety of settings. Our network includes sports organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, and commitment to equity and inclusion: We are committed to equity and inclusion in our work. We believe that everyone has the right to access sexual and reproductive health information and services, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Specific ways in which we will deliver sport for SRHR: Developing and implementing sports for SRHR programs: We are able to develop and implement sports for SRHR programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the community. Our programs can be delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, community centers, and sports clubs, training sports coaches, teachers, community health workers and leaders: We are able to train sports coaches, teachers, community health workers and leaders on how to integrate SRHR education and information into their sports programs. We can also provide training on how to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR, and advocating for sports for SRHR: We are able to advocate for sports for SRHR at the local, national, and global levels. We can work to raise awareness of the benefits of sports for SRHR and to secure resources to support the implementation of sports for SRHR programs.

We are passionate about using sports to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. We believe that everyone has the right to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and we believe that sports can play a powerful role in helping people to achieve this goal.

Direct beneficiaries of the program are 8,542 age between 9-18 years old

Sport for SRHR is innovative because it uses a non-traditional approach to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Sports are a popular and engaging activity for people of all ages and genders, and they can provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR topics, develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, and challenge harmful gender stereotypes. The approach is innovative because:

• Embraces sports to teach SRHR topics: Sports for SRHR programs use sports as a vehicle to teach young people about SRHR topics such as contraception, safe abortion, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This can be done through formal workshops and discussions, or more informal conversations between coaches and players.
• Create a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR: Sports for SRHR programs can provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to ask questions and learn about SRHR topics without fear of judgment or stigma. This is important because SRHR can be a sensitive topic, and many young people do not have access to accurate and up-to-date information.
• Empower young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health: Sports for SRHR programs can help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This includes learning about their options for contraception, safe abortion, and how to protect them from SGBV.
• Promote gender equality and social justice through sports: Sports for SRHR programs can be used to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. For example, sports for SRHR programs can promote the idea that girls and women have just as much right as boys and men to participate in sports and to be physically active. This can help to create a more enabling environment for SRHR.

Sport for SRHR is an innovative approach to promoting SRHR because it uses a popular and engaging activity to reach young people and teach them about important SRHR topics. Sports for SRHR programs can also create a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR and develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

In addition to the above, I am also working on developing new and innovative ways to use sports to promote SRHR. For example, I am developing a mobile app that will provide young people with access to SRHR information and resources in a fun and engaging way. I am also working on developing a virtual reality training program that will teach coaches and other sports leaders how to integrate SRHR education into their sports programs.

I am excited about the potential of sports to promote SRHR, and I am committed to developing new and innovative ways to use sports to reach young people and teach them about important SRHR topics.

Africa Goal Organization 9AGO) impact goals for sports for SRHR for the next year and the next five years are as follows:

Next year:

• Reach 8,500 young people with sports for SRHR programs.
• Train 500 sports coaches, teacher and leaders on how to integrate SRHR education into their sports programs.
• Advocate for sports for SRHR at the local, national, and global levels.

Next five years:

• Reach 60,000 young people with sports for SRHR programs.
• Train 5,000 sports coaches and leaders on how to integrate SRHR education into their sports programs.
• Develop and implement new and innovative sports for SRHR programs.
• Advocate for sports for SRHR to be integrated into national SRHR policies and programs.

I believe that these goals are achievable because I have a strong team of experts who are committed to sports for SRHR. I also have a global network of partners and collaborators who can help me to deliver sports for SRHR programs in a variety of settings. The impact goals shall be achieved by:

• Develop and implement new and innovative sports for SRHR programs. I will work with my team of experts to develop new and innovative sports for SRHR programs that are tailored to the specific needs of different communities. I will also work to ensure that my programs are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
• Train sports coaches and leaders on how to integrate SRHR education into their sports programs. I will develop and deliver training programs for sports coaches and leaders on how to integrate SRHR education into their sports programs. I will also work to provide them with the resources and support they need to implement SRHR education effectively.
• Advocate for sports for SRHR at the local, national, and global levels. I will work to raise awareness of the benefits of sports for SRHR and to secure resources to support the implementation of sports for SRHR programs. I will also work to advocate for sports for SRHR to be integrated into national SRHR policies and programs.

Sports for SRHR can have an impact on the problem of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in a number of ways;

Sports can provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn about SRHR topics such as contraception, safe abortion, and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This is important because SRHR can be a sensitive topic, and many young people do not have access to accurate and up-to-date information.

Sports can help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This includes learning about their options for contraception, safe abortion, and how to protect them from SGBV.

Sports can be used to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote gender equality. For example, sports for SRHR programs can promote the idea that girls and women have just as much right as boys and men to participate in sports and to be physically active. This can help to create a more enabling environment for SRHR.

Sports for SRHR can have a positive impact on the problem of SRHR by providing young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

7 Full time

12 volunteers (part time)

3 years

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core values that inform my work. Africa Goal Organization (AGO) believe that everyone has the right to access information and resources, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other factors.

We incorporate DEI into our work in a number of ways:

• AGO work with a team of experts who are diverse in their backgrounds and perspectives. This helps me to ensure that my work is inclusive and that it reflects the needs of a variety of communities.
• AGO use language that is inclusive and respectful of all people. I avoid using language that is discriminatory or that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
• The organization develops programs and resources that are accessible to people with disabilities. I also work to ensure that my programs and resources are culturally appropriate and relevant to the communities they are serving.
• AGO collect data on the diversity of the people who are using my programs and resources. This data helps me to identify areas where I can improve my work to be more inclusive.
• AGO work with partners and collaborators who are committed to DEI. This helps us to amplify my impact and reach a wider audience.

The organization is committed to creating a more just and equitable world through my work. AGO believe that sports for SRHR can play a powerful role in achieving this goal, and AGO is committed to incorporating DEI into my work in every way possible. For example in Kenya, AGO work with a team of female soccer coaches to deliver a sports for SRHR program to girls living in informal settlements. The program focuses on teaching the girls about contraception, safe abortion, and prevention of SGBV. The program is also designed to empower the girls and to challenge harmful gender stereotypes.