Bundesliga Youth Ambassadors

Day 1

On the 8th of September, 2021, Social Empowerment Project, hosted Bundesliga Youth Ambassadors (BUYAS) for a self-paced comprehensive learning program. The BUYAS arrived on the evening of 7th September 2021.

Bundesliga Youth Ambassadors serve as educators and role models within their communities

This program a partnership with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, the street football world and Transforming Young Stars of Africa was to enable the BUYAS to interact and learn from each other and share what activities they undertake at their respective organizations. The wins and the challenges as well. A few success stories from the BUYAS and some challenging stories encouraged everyone to keep doing what they do and not to give up. A moving and encouraging speech from the director of S.E.P, Mr Festus Juma, was a highlight of day 1, with rich lessons on mental health, reproductive health and healthy relationships being the main message. He welcomed the BUYAS to Oyugis Town, Homa Bay County and briefed them on the activities that the S.E.P- BUYAS have been undertaking. Apart from empowering the community and young girls through sports, they empower them economically through skill-based projects.

Society Empowerment Project empowers communities through sports

The afternoon session involved showing the BUYAS what S.E.P does in the communities. This involved a visit to the farms where they do poultry and horticulture farming. The farming is done by SEP members in the community. The farmers are given partitions of land and fertilizers, as well as poultry and poultry feeds, which they use to farm and eventually get food and income. This is part of economic empowerment. SEP, CO-director, Lorraine, also briefed the BUYAS on the reproductive health department, where she showed them how the department makes and manages reusable sanitary pads. In her talk, she talked about menstrual hygiene, pads drives and the reproductive health sessions that they hold with young and adolescent girls. This department also takes credit for empowering young women and girls through tailoring courses.
 

Finally, the BUYAS were shown to the football pitch at K’Otieno primary school where they actively interacted with pupils who were on their games break. They later had a friendly match with the Oyugis football club team. SEP was humbled and honoured to host a successful first day of BUYAS in Oyugis!
 

Day 2

On the second day, BUYAS were treated to a historic trip to Lake Simbi, in Homa Bay County. Lake Simbi boasts of beautiful flamingoes which are a tourist attraction to the lake. Here they were told about the intriguing story behind the formation of Lake Simbi. They enjoyed a hike around the lake towards the flamingoes. They enjoyed the beautiful views, which they captured well.
    
Later on, the team went to Kendu bay old town, a harbour off Kendu bay town. Here, they enjoyed a boat ride in Lake Victoria, from the local fishermen. Some of the BUYAS were lucky to order for and eat fresh, hot deep-fried fish right from the lake!