Vakhegula Vakhegula Foodball Club
This project's parent organization is Vakhegula Vakhegula Foodball Club
It operates in South Africa
It uses Football (Soccer)
Entered the Sport for Health Award
More about Vakhegula Vakhegula Foodball Club
Tribal women living in rural South Africa suffer from chronic illnesses such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dementia and depression. Cultural norms and financial constraints dramatically limit their access to proper care. Cultural norms also put elders at risk for abuse when they become unable to help in the home. To break through these barriers and slow the impact of these diseases, Ms. Ntsan'wisi developed the Vakhegula Vakhegula (translation: Grannies Grannies) football Club to better care for her neighbors of Limpopo.
She created a structure for elder women to consistently practice and play soccer games to help strengthen and build stamina. Using a team model brings together often isolated grannies to exercise together and creating a strong women's network.
The program links local doctors with teams for quicker and consistent access to healthcare. Garnering family and community support is vital the project's success. This support lacked greatly in the beginning but, now, through job-sharing and media attention, has improved. To continue this wonderful, progressive program, Ms. Ntsan'wisi seeks support for funding and business strategy to maintain and grow her program.