Project for integration of refugees in Kenya through sport

Context

Due to its location between several conflict areas, Kenya is one of the largest refugee hosting countries in the world. Recently, the Kenyan government has become more open to policies designed to improve the economic inclusion of refugees. On November 2021, the Kenyan president signed the Comprehensive Refugee Response framework (CRRF) which pushes for greater economic inclusion of refugees.

Pajoma Sports Academy project is in line with this dynamic to integrate migrants in the Kenyan society, notably through sports. Enrolling children in international sports academies is also very expensive and out of reach for many, especially for talented kids from disadvantaged background and refugees.

This sport academy would make sport more accessible for these children and open new opportunities for them to exploit their talents and find career opportunities.

Objectives

• Spot talents and give them opportunities in sport
• Make sport opportunities accessible to everyone
• Integrate refugees in the host community
• Educate refugees in basic skills such as computer literacy, etiquette, driving, leadership and management

Activities

• Establishing School Sports Academy for each sport with rigorous professional training and coaching
• Organizing competitions and ensure athletes are exposed to competition locally and outside the country through the network of national and international sports federations

Impact

Pajoma sport academy allows school to focus on delivering academic experience while the academy provides the extra-curricular section. They will be able to engage highly trained, professional instructors and coaches at no extra cost to the school.

Improved physical health will then enhance the performance of students and teachers and will strengthen their teamwork and refugees will be sponsored to access sport and help them integrate in the Kenyan society.

Financing

The total cost of the project is $365,871.

Small club membership fee for students will cover the expenses of training and coaching. The school will provide the facilities such as fields and courts. Pajoma Sports Academy appeals to public and private institutions for seed capital to fund the organization of competitions. Income earned from competitions shall be used to support the refugees.

Photo Credit: PAMIA