The Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) seeks to empower vulnerable girls in Kibera, the largest urban slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The organization provides free, secondary school education and implements a range of holistic programs, including sports, life skills clubs, and mentoring. Recently, the organization has expanded its science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs, creating a hands-on educational experience that exposes girls to new areas of learning. Since 2009, more than 400 girls have graduated from KGSA, with many going on to pursue higher education. The organization also leads community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of educating girls, working to change social norms which hold girls back.
Girls in Kibera face many challenges which increase their likelihood of dropping out of school. Poverty is a pressing issue, and families often are unable to afford school fees, uniforms, and other educational resources—particularly for secondary school when costs may increase. Furthermore, girls are often forced to marry at an early age, which again disrupts their education and increases the likelihood that they will have children before they are ready. Female representation in leadership positions and professional roles is also limited due to cultural norms which prescribe women to domestic roles. As such, many girls do not have mentors to support them in charting a different path.
With support from The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, KGSA will expand its boarding school, which opened in 2021 and currently serves 100 girls. The organization will use the funding to purchase food, recruit new staff (including a medical nurse), and provide beds to serve an additional 50 girls. As a result, girls will receive a quality education in a safe environment, enabling them to focus on their studies and goals. The organization will also launch an internship program to encourage university students to complete their practicum at KGSA, providing additional support to the school’s staff counselor and setting an example for girls of what their future could hold.
In total, KGSA’s project will directly reach 150 girls, who will have opportunities to learn, grow, and set their ambitions high for a bright future. KGSA believes that as more girls complete their education, they will serve as powerful examples, fostering a paradigm shift in attitudes toward gender equality. Ultimately, KGSA hopes to empower the next generation of girl leaders who will charge ahead to bring progress to their communities. To learn more about KGSA, please visit the organization’s website and social media pages:
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