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News
The learning curve continues
Dec 28 2006
Over 500 kids were involved in the second Michezo Youth Initiative youth football tournament, this time held over two days, December 9 and 10. There was a noticeable drop from the first tournament in the percentage of female players involved, as well as overall numbers either playing or watching this time. This would have as much to do with the time of year - school holidays just before Christmas, with many people heading "up country" to be with their extended family for the holiday season - as it would the two week gap between the end of the school year and the tournament. Most of the teams are school-based, and so once school had broken for the year it resulted in a few of the registered teams failing to show for their games. Something to take on board for future iterations.
Once again there was some quality football on display, even from the 9 and 10 year olds. It's certainly not natural talent that Kenya lacks in football terms, more the ability to nurture that natural talent into maturity and realise its potential. This is one of the aspects that MYI hope to develop with our program.
The life skills activities run before each of the first round games proceeded much more smoothly than in the first tournament. The rostering of all volunteers planned well in advance left no one wondering what their responsibilities were during the day. With a few more youth volunteers recruited we'll be well set to begin developing some of our other planned programs, in the areas of art, drama and the environment. 
The only minor issue to arise from the day was that of overage players. It is something that we have to crack down on, as we don't want to be responsible for a 13 year old being seriously injured by an 18 or 19 year old. However this is not a black and white issue, with many young people in the area lacking proof of age. Many children born in less affluent areas can sometimes be home births, which often do not get registered at all through official channels. However with our concern first and foremost about the safety of our young participants, we must be strict in our regulations. No ID = no play. It is then up to us to ensure there is some avenue to help them address their lack of identification, which is something that Action for Children in Conflict's Day Care Centre may be able to help with, as they do so with the street children they work with on a more regular basis.
Overall, however, once again a successfully staged youth tournament, though with still plenty to take away to learn from and address for the future. If you would like to be a part of future tournaments, or be involved with any aspects of Michezo Youth Initiative, be sure to contact us at your convenience. We welcome support from both local and overseas.