DUNK Grassroots, promoting social inclusion in Ghana through sport

A project managed by DUNK Grassroots

DUNK – Developing Unity, Nurturing Knowledge – Grassroots is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that was set up in Ghana in 2011 by passionate and committed young people to offer to disadvantaged communities the opportunity to lead active, healthy lives through sport. The NGO’s work is focused primarily in the Nima and Jamestown slums.

The DUNK project renovates community recreation areas for women and young people aged 10 to 25 in disadvantaged parts of Accra (primarily Nima and Jamestown). Through various support, awareness-raising and training programmes, the organisation aims to foster youth and women's empowerment through the power of sport, in particular basketball and volleyball.

Context

With a population of over 5.3 million in 2019 (up from 2.3 million in 2009), Ghana’s capital Accra is experiencing strong demographic growth. Youth literacy, access to sport and women’s empowerment are among the challenges that need to be addressed.

Since 2011, the NGO DUNK Grassroots has been committed to creating the necessary conditions for self-development and social inclusion in the most disadvantaged urban areas by supporting and encouraging young people and women to become agents of change in their own communities.

Goals

Improve the living conditions in Accra’s slums
Foster women’s empowerment and community engagement
Provide academic and after-school support for young people at high risk of dropping out of school
Promote education, health and equal access to physical activity for all
Stimulate the social and cognitive development of members through sports based on the “Play, Learn and Grow” approach
Convey strong values such as leadership, teamwork, self-esteem, commitment and respect

Activities

Creating safe spaces for the practice of sport: rehabilitation of three recreation areas and reconfiguration of two schools
Supplying sports equipment and organising regular tournaments
Raising young women’s awareness of their rights and the importance of education, sexual health and the acquisition of professional skills
Devising academic support programmes for young people and training supervisory staff

Impacts

Over 600 children a year benefit from DUNK Grassroots’ programmes
12 teams established and trained, including 5 all-female teams
65 young people trained as junior coaches
8 young representatives at junior international competitions
65 scholarships awarded, 4 former beneficiaries now attending university
Increased confidence and leadership skills in 90% of the young people completing the programme

Funding

In 2019, the project received financing from PISCCA, which stands for Innovative Projects by Civil Society and Coalitions of Actors, a fund run by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Embassy in Ghana.

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Location

Ghana

Project led by

DUNK Grassroots

Start date

2019

Project status

Project to support