St. Peters school parents give their kids green light to WASH program

Thursday the 2^nd, June, 2016 is the day that St. Peters Primary School pupils were introduced into WASH (Water Sanitation and Hygiene) program by our coaches at Sadili Oval, Ms. Juliet Cherono,  Asha  Adongo and Trizah Mboya with the help of Sadili social educators.

The school administration allowed our coaches to have a session with the kids from 10 in the morning way till noon at Kibera tennis court where 42 children under 10 years of age from nursery school to class 3 were trained life skills and sporting activities including fun games. 

Some of the activities included; lawn tennis, bounce and catch and hygiene where the social educators showed the children how best to wash their hands highlighting on when and why washing of hands is important.

Sadili Oval coaches introduce tennis to St. Peters primary pupils for the first time.

 

“Through this we can avoid hygiene – related diseases. “Our social educator, Ms Sigilai said.

It was an interactive session in which the children were taken through our program activities before they are fully registered through taking their parents’ consent. The day turned out to be very busy for the kids since it was a new initiative in the school and most of them actively participated throughout the one-hour session full of various activities.

Mr. Kevin Ochieng during dance game with the kids at the Kibera tennis court.

 “They really had a great and wonderful time with us, they have been attentive as well both to the social educators and coaches. This is a great platform that the school through Sadili Oval has given to them,” stated Trizah.

She added that the parents should consider registering their children into the program by filling in an agreement form that the children in attendance were given to take home to their parents or guardians.

St. Peters pupils during life skill session.

When our coaches returned to the school this week to collect back the forms, they found most parents had filled in and returned the forms. Out of the 42 forms, all parents except one approved their children to join our program. The parent who did not fill in the form requested that her child is allowed into the program as she finishes the form.

It is a clear indication that the parents have given their kids the green light to a lifetime opportunity and a new experience to learn life skills that are intended to improve their life style, identify and nurture individual talents.

Kids have fun at the Sadili 8- Series Junior Tennis Challenge 2016

On Saturday 4^th June 2016 Sadili Oval hosted the 8-Series Junior Tennis Challenge at its tennis courts in Lang’ata, Nairobi.  It was during this occasion that kids played for the very first time on the beautifully refurbished Court of Dreams. Nairobi was gloriously sunny and the tennis on show perfectly matched the weather. The event was a great way for the children to try out competitive tennis in a coed, friendly and fun team environment. The tournament, run under a Sadili/International Inspiration partnership, was sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods, Sadili Oval, and Comic Relief among others.

The free-entry tourney was open to everyone and a total of 48 boys and girls participated in it. The juniors ranged in categories from the under 6 to under 12 and played a total of 85 matches with Sadili Oval staff as their referees.

In the under 6 girls’ category, Sheila Awuor carried the day after beating Mitchelle Atieno in the finals, with Collins Odhiambo winning the under 6 boys’ singles.

Angela Alwanga proved to be the strongest in the under 8 girls’ category beating Seline Achieng in the finals, while Brian Odhiambo lifted the under 8 boys’ singles after overpowering Steven Kigunzi in the finals.

In the under 10 boys’ category, Ismael Abdul emerged winner after beating Frankline Otieno in the finals, while Scovia Nafula claimed victory in the under 10 girls’ category after defeating Beatrice Akinyi in the finals.

Agnes Syovoo beat Beryl Adongo in the finals winning the under 12 girls’ category, while Edward Odongo dominated the under 12 boys category beating Henry Ochieng in the finals.

Congratulations to everybody who joined in, and especially to the winners. To view the detailed final results please click on this link: http://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=B4A2C104-27CE-4F41-818D-04424E073345

The day was then topped off with lunch for all the kids and some refreshing beverages.

The Sadili 8- Series Junior Tennis Challenge is a popular fun-filled Junior tournament for U6, U8, U10 and U12 kids (all levels), with Tennis Africa Cup ranking. It was started by Tennis professional, Dr. Liz Odera and brings kids together in teams to play against other teams. It promotes social skills and important values by fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity, as well as individual self-growth.

This tournament also served as a qualification for 11-12 year olds towards the Champions Bowl Finals, which will take place in Turkey in October 2016.

Thanks to everyone who played and those who came down and supported the day. We are all looking forward to the next tournament.

Cheers to the Court of Dreams! A few of the kids take a photo at the refurbished court with the Director of Sadili Oval, Dr. Liz Odera (in red, back row) and other Sadili Oval staff

#lethemplay

Sadili Oval: Harnessing the Power of Sports and Using it to Break the Germ Cycle at Olympic Primary School, Nairobi

Recognizing the crucial role that sanitation and hygiene play in children’s health and development, Sadili Oval through its Court of Dreams project is using sports and games to educate children and facilitate behavior change, particularly with regard to hand washing with soap, which is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and the most cost-effective means to reduce illnesses.

On Tuesday 31^st May 2016, staff from Sadili Oval Sports Academy visited Olympic Primary School in Kibera, Nairobi with a mission to reach pupils and teach life skills, and most importantly hand washing. The team arrived at the school at around noon and it all started by more than 400 kids being invited to do what they love the most: play. This was meant to get them excited and eager to hear the message Sadili had brought them.

The short games session was followed by our social educators’ hand washing lesson that majorly revolved around when, why and how to wash hands. The social educators took the children step by step through the process by demonstrating and explaining in detail how hands should be washed using soap and clean water. This was followed by a few of the kids being given a chance to wash their hands, just as they had been taught, in front of the rest of the pupils. To make all this even more interesting, the educators composed a song in Swahili describing how hands should be washed and the children happily sang as their colleagues did the washing.

After the hand washing, the kids went back to playing, this time for a longer period while with guidance from Sadili’s coaches. Although the kids being many and difficult to control due to the large number, everyone had fun at the end of the day. Besides, games are more than just about having fun since they come with life skills such as confidence; team work and a sense of community.

Being a Parents’ day at the school, the staff from Sadili took advantage and got a chance for an informational session where they explained to parents Sadili’s activities and the Court of Dreams project. The parents were so excited by these activities that by the end of the day, close to 200 of them had shown support for the Court of Dreams project by registering to have their children participate in it.

Do not underestimate the power of sports. 

Let them play!

Sadili's Girl Power Clubs Africa Celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day

On 28^th May 2016, Sadili's Girl Power Clubs Africa joined organizations around the world in celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day. But what exactly is this day all about again?

Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day that aims to break taboos and raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management for women and adolescent girls worldwide. The onset of menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring among girls during the adolescent years and it helps a great deal when girls are guided on how to go about it.

Throughout the past week from Tuesday 24^th May, Ms. Everlyne Sigilai, Mr. Kevin Ayuko and Ms. Joy Akim who are social educators from Sadili Oval were visiting schools around Nairobi providing guidance and positive information around menstruation, and yesterday’s occasion marked the end of their campaign.

The event, held at Olympic High School in Kibera, was fun, challenging and equally enlightening. In the first session, the educators gave a general talk about menstruation and hygiene. The discussion revolved around: the meaning of menstruation, how to use and dispose sanitary pads, how to make and use reusable pads from soft clothes, how to use menstrual cups, understanding the menstrual cycle activity and group discussions about menstrual experiences.

This was followed by a session where the girls had a chance to ask questions. It is at this point that I discovered that the subject of menstruation is still clouded by deep-rooted taboos and myths that create the illusion that it is dirty and shameful.  To this day, some girls still believe that a woman (or girl) on her period should not be allowed to go to Church or anywhere next to the kitchen because she is dirty. It took a lot of time and energy for the social educators to convince them otherwise.

The question and answer session was followed by a short games session, then a quiz based on menstruation and finally snacks. The girls were asked to spread the word about menstruation to other girls, and were given posters to stick on walls around the school.

Girl Power Clubs Africa is a leadership program focused on providing girls with a chance to learn life skills and learn to make decisions that affect their lives and their communities positively.

Slum Basketball Tournament Showcases Kids' Talent

Children under WASH program from Kibera slum were treated to a basketball tournament  at Sadili Oval's dusty Kibera tennis and basketball court on Saturday 28th, May, 2016. The basketball tournament was organized by Sadili Oval staff among them were coaches Asha Adongo and Trizah Mboya.

Coach Adongo takes the captains through note-flipping method to determine which team starts the tournament.

52 talented and excited children between 8 and 12 years turned up for the tournament which kicked off at 3pm as Coach Adongo introduced a flipping – note method to determine which team would start. The kids were divided into two teams; Blue team and Red team respectively, each team was composed of seven players and two bench-servers from each side.

Among the spectators was the Kibera tennis court caretaker, Mr. Wasonga who enjoyed the tournament throughout. Some of the kids could not manage to sit down long enough when the Blue team scored their first goal instead they broke into a dance to celebrate making the game more interesting.

Due to the large numbers and need to give everyone a chance the first session of the tournament lasted for one hour before half – time break! The two coaches coordinated this entertaining tournament and introduced a 30-minutes training before the second part of the game, the goal was to introduce a life skill, highlight the mistakes made during first – half and to help the kids exercise.

A brief training moment to point mistakes made during first – half of the match.

In the second – half, which also took an hour, the game became a neck to neck battle since the two teams had locked scores 1-1 and each team wanted to emerge the winner. On the other hand, the fans became more cheerful and their undying support to the individual teams kept the players moving and more aggressive to defend the winning title.

Both teams battle for a chance to emerge the winner.      

Coach Trizah gives instructions to the kids during the training session

The whistle was blown on top of the hour to end the match and following an itch to have the winner from the lively spectators, the basketball rule had to be broken which added more fun into the day; a delightful session was introduced where all the players and the coaches, tried their luck to add in more scores for the respective teams. Coach Trizah managed a score for Blue team.

Team Green shoots in style!

The tournament came to an enthralling end with team Green having lost 3 – 2 to Blue team.

This court, originally an area used by women for cultivating vegetables, was offered by the women of Katwekera to Director, Dr. Liz Odera, for use as a safe space for their kids to learn sports. It has now become the only space available for open play, and life skill learning, managed by Sadili Oval's trained social educators and community coaches.

Sadili Oval: Shaping the lives of children of Kibera through sports and life skills

"Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father", so said Roger von Oech, a contemporary American creativity guru. I couldn't agree more. Research shows that community  sport  programs  provide  children  marginalized  by  poverty, disability, family dissolution, ethno-cultural background and conflict with  training and team experiences to help develop effective social and communication skills, build positive relationships, make friends, and find social support.

This is exactly what the Kibera Tennis Court  offers, and it was no different on Saturday, 14th May 2016. The children played all sorts of games including basketball, tennis and hula hoop. They were guided by coaches from Sadili Oval Sports Academy, Trizah Mboya and Asha Adongo accompanied by one of Kenya's best basketball players, Zack Okong'o.

Zack Okong'o teaching the children basketball

Playing the hula hoop: one of the children in action

Seeing the children so happy and their coaches so relational and caring was extremely heart warming. The sense of community and level of resiliency displayed by these children once again reminded me why Sadili Oval believes in the power of sports.

Coach Trizah Mboya playing tennis with the children

The children take a group photo after games

I believe in the power of sports too. Do you?

Let them play!

Register For Online Sports Coach, PE, Manager & Gym/Aerobics Courses Level 1/2 Today!

Malezi College has announced recognized Gym & Aerobics, PE, Sports Level I and II Courses beginning on 7th November 2016.  Online learning is on offer, with practicals covered at convenient hours, at Sadili Oval Sports Academy.. Courses are recognized by the Government of Kenya.

Courses run at flexible times, payment plans and range from short cumulative tracks to the full 3-week track. Interested applicants should josephine.andeso@sadili.com or call +254-729-062-087 or the application form and payment details.
Malezi College has an excellent track record of certifying more than 3,000 coaches and managers of sports in Africa.

2016 Sports Coaching Level 1 & 2
A. Sports Coach Level 1 (cumulative)
This is for an athlete who is beginning his/her coaching and sports management career. The Level 1 Course includes Level 1(d), which gives a good base to sports science, coaching models, front office, event management, First Aid and legal issues in sports. This theory section runs for 1 month and may be followed or preceded by professional certification for a desired sport in Levels 1 (a), 1(b), 1(c), according to the specific specialization selected in one of: Gym, fitness, soccer, aerobics, swimming and basketball. A candidate may receive a certificate on completion of each level. These courses are well recognized and offer a coach a chance to work at international and national levels.
COURSE	ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS	DURATION	FEES	INTAKE
Sports Coach Level 1(a): all sports Coaching Beginner Players of 6 and under level	Ability to play your chosen, and adequate literacy.	8 hours (1 day) practical	3,000	3 Nov
Sports Coach Level 1(b): All sports Coaching Players of 8/10 and Under Level	Sports Coach Level 1(a) or equivalent	8 hours (1 day) practical	3,000	4 Nov
Sports Coach Level 1(c): All sports Coaching Beginner Players to advanced beginners and includes: Code of conduct, Developing Strategy and Tactics, Understanding the needs and expectations of the player, session planning, Progressions, strategy and tactics, Physical conditioning, Early diagnosis and correction and Managing change, Competitions and rules	Sports Coach Level 1(a) and (c), its equivalent or higher	8 hours (1 day) practical	3,000	5 Nov
Sports Coach Level 1 (d) – all sports Sports Science and Pegadagogy	At least 2 years playing a chosen sport, fluent in writing and reading. It completes the scientific background for the Level 1 Certification	3 weeks online, Written exams	8,000	7 Nov
B. Sports Unit Manager (Complete Course): managing and marketing programs, educating athletes, coaches, and parents. Leadership, management, administration, wellness, awareness, anti-­‐doping, Injuries and prevention, budgeting, using the computer to make your job easier.	Must have a recommendation letter from a sports facility that proves leadership and management ability.	3 weeks online, 12 hours practical	25,000	7 Nov
C. Sports Coach Level 1 (Complete Course) – Certificate in PE	KCSE/IGCSE &/or 2 years experience in any Sport	3 weeks online with 12 hours practical	18,000	7 Nov
D. Sports Coaching Level 1 (Complete Course) -­‐ Gym and Aerobics Instructor Basketball, Soccer, Handball, Netball, Volleyball, Athletics, Swimming	KCSE/IGCSE &/or 2 years experience in any Sport. This is the complete course for Level 1 Certification	3 weeks online with 12 hours practical	18,000	,7 Nov
E. Sports Coaching Level 2 (Complete Course): all sports	Certificate in Level 1 or equivalent. This is the complete course for Level 2 Certification.	3 weeks online 18 hours practical	25,000	7 Nov
F. FIRST AID & CPR	Open	1 Day	4,000	19 Nov