Game of 2 Halves - supported projects

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Updated: 09-06-06

Supported Projects

Where does the money raised go?

Through your support, Christians in Sport have made an ongoing commitment to projects in Kenya and Sierra Leone.

In December 2005 GO2H donated £2000 to buy tents for those affected by the earthquake in Pakistan.

Projects supported in Kenya

We have made an ongoing commitment to St. Johns in Kenya. A project run by AEA (Association of Evangelicals in Africa) who see sport as an excellent opportunity to reach out to young people who have not heard the gospel. Many young people are attracted to the city in search of work, but end up living in slum areas, abused and homeless. AEA has workers and a discipleship programme in operation amongst young people in football teams.

St Johns is harnessing the potential of young people living in the slums. 69% of the area's population are aged under 25.

The centre works in a community where poverty means that there is very little for the local young people to do. They run sports clubs where health and community workers are able to give out health messages at half-time, teaching the young people how to look after themselves - vital work in a country where preventable diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis are constantly claiming the lives of young people in the community. It also has a youth development programme, street children's work, a vocational school and non-formal education for 9 -20 year olds.

Read how it has changed people's lives...

"I attend the centre in Kenya, and would like to thank all who joined Game of 2 Halves for all that you have done for us here. We have noticed many changes in our group and our community as well as in ourselves individually. Before, we used to live in a poor environment, our toilets were pathetic, also we used to lack enough water.

I thank St. John's for bringing us young people together. They have also trained the youth in many skills and many of us have benefited from various courses and vocational training - many of us are now working.

I would like to tell you that the support that you have been giving us has brought a great change. If things continue like this our whole community will have a great change completely."
- young man from Kenya

"69 per cent of the slum population are young people, and they are plagued with all kinds of problems that hinder their progress. We aim at equipping them with vital life skills. Already, 13 young people who had dropped out of school have enrolled for vocational skills training.

The power of sports to reach these young people cannot be underestimated. We are amazed at how they have responded. Our offices are now constantly jammed with young people wanting to discuss how to promote their groups. We are assisting them in purchasing sport kits and equipment. Groups are also seeking ways to be helpful to their wider communities. As well as sports, we have youth forums where they debate, discuss and challenge each other, as well as receiving information to assist them in life's choices. These forums are so popular, because our young people lack such opportunities to express themselves, to be listened to and to obtain life-changing information."
-Mary, Youth and Community Worker, Kenya.

* Names have been changed

About Kenya

Kenya is in East Africa, a country which as a former British Colony gained independence in 1963. Official languages are English and Swahili but 61 languages are used and most Kenyans speak a tribal language first. Agriculture is the cornerstone of the economy, the main cash crops being: tea, coffee, sugar, cotton, sisal, tobacco and pineapple. Only a quarter of children go on to secondary school.

Some facts on Kenya

Where is Kenya?

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and Tanzania.

How many people live there?

32 Million (UK population is 58 Million)

How many Christians are there?

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 33%, indigenous beliefs 10%, Muslim 10%, other 2%
note: a large majority of Kenyans are Christian, but estimates for the percentage of the population that adheres to Islam or indigenous beliefs vary widely.

How many people can read?

85.1% of the population can read (UK 99%)

Do they have enough to eat?

50% of the population is below the poverty line (UK 17%)

Life expectancy 44 Yrs (UK 78Yrs)

Project supported in Sierra Leone

Christians in Sport have made an ongoing commitment to a project in Sierra Leone lead by Simon*. In 2003 he held a Sports Camp for 310 young people in Sierra Leone. Simon* has a wonderful vision to help young people through sports activities and provide them with practical Christian care. We want to stand with him and support these Sports Camps every year with GO2H funding.

*Names have been changed

163 at Sierra Leone sports camp 2004

In December, a Game of 2 Halves-supported sports camp took place in Sierra Leone, Africa. Here, the Executive Director who ran the camp, explains how the event was a tremendous success, reaping incredible and eternal rewards…

"I am happy to report that the sports camp held here in December was a big success. The camp took place in the northern region of Sierra Leone. Before the war which ravaged this country, this centre was a nice place. Now however, there aren’t even any beds, and so for this camp we had to bring our own mats to sleep on. It wasn’t all bad though.

Attendance at the camp was very good, and higher than we had expected or planned for. Our target was 150, but in fact. 163 turned up, along with 30 volunteers who came along to coach, speak and officiate. (The attendance would have been more than 200, but we had to stop late registration due to budgetary constraints). One great thing about the camp this year was that we had people from all around the country there.

The camp was divided into four ‘houses’ for the purpose of training and tournaments. We called these Keith, Eddie, David and Andrew. The Bible Studies was taken from the first four chapters of Joshua, and were entitled, in order: The man God uses, God never abandons, Crossing over, and Making history.

A few stories from the event…

I am happy to report that many of those who went to the camp will never be the same. Of our 163 attendees there were a significant number who professed faith in Christ. We were then able to help them think through the first steps of the Christian life. There was great happiness, and all of these people wanted a Bible.

We created a real impact locally - the whole town seemed to come alive when we where there. We played football against the town team (and we won by two goals to nil!). We blessed them with some equipment, and we are now in contact with the local schools.

I spoke with the coach of a national team after his players had requested that he bring them to the camp. What a Blessing!

Finally, on a personal note, I am very happy that many more women attended this year. My own dream is coming to pass, with many more women becoming involved in sport.

We would like to thank you very much for your financial support. We have used this to fund transportation, food, equipment, lodging and more. Thank you also for your faithful prayers. Hearts have been touched by this camp, and souls have been saved!"

About Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has been in the news for the last decade because of the terrible civil war that took place from 1991 to 2002 between the government and the Revolutionary United Front. It resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (well over one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighbouring countries. In May 2002 the government was able to slowly re-establish its authority and election where held, however the peace is fragile.

Sierra Leone gained independency for UK in the 1960s. It is an very poor African nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. It does have substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources. However, the economic and social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development.

Some facts on Sierra Leone