Soccer 4 Hope (S4H)
This project's parent organization is YAYA Education Trust
It operates in Kenya
It uses Football (Soccer)
Entered the Sport for Health Award
More about Soccer 4 Hope (S4H)
The Government of Kenya National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan 2005-2010 highlights young people as the group at greatest risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs. Risks to them are exacerbated by their limited access to education, training and employment, and by increasing levels of substance abuse. Yaya Education Trust has recognized the importance of using soccer in effective preventive HIV education, targeting youth.
Through Soccer 4 Hope (S4H) program, young people are organized in zones (village teams) and participate in a year long local league. During sporting events, which attracts large groups of spectators, the organization uses the platform to pass on the HIV/AIDS information through leaflets, banners, theater/creative performances on HIV/AIDS prevention and demonstrations on proper use and distribution of condoms.
This helps in challenging myths and perception on HIV/AIDS hence protection of another generation of young people from premature illness and death by expanding and intensifying HIV prevention measures because we know from experience that prevention messages work therefore addressing the devastating socio-economic impact HIV/AIDS has created among rural communities in Western province due to high HIV infections with high prevalence among youth.