In brief

The SOL Foundation further assists Kenya-based Pamoja Initiative with its “Sports for Development & Leadership Programme” in Lamu, Kenya, to engage, equip and uplift youth, nurture well-grounded residents, healthy, confident, out of danger and ready to explore their full potential.

Problem to be tackled

Limited access to safe recreational spaces, lack of water safety skills, and high youth unemployment in coastal Lamu contribute to increased vulnerability, poor health outcomes, and low community resilience.

Local partner

The design of the project was influenced by community consultations, youth focus groups, and collaboration with local schools, safeguarding experts, and sports coaches. The success of earlier Swim4Change programmes guided its expansion. Pamoja Initiative runs the project in Lamu County, the main activities include:

• the Pamoja Swim4Change programme,
• the consolidation and diversification of and at the Pamoja Mpeketoni Complex,
• the establishment of a new community development through sport element at Pamoja Amu Complex,
• the LamUmoja Football League including Referee Training,
• the Shamba la Shela School Karate Club, and
• some special programmes including the assistance with transportation or equipment.

Beneficiaries

The targeted groups – children and youth of Lamu County – have been identified through schools, community groups, and local youth networks based on vulnerability, interest in sports, and/or leadership potential; the majority, around 80%, come from low-income or vulnerable households, including orphans, subsistence farmers and fishermen, and informal settlement communities.

SOL’s contribution

With a continued and further support from The SOL Foundation, Pamoja Initiative will be able to develop and implement a sustainable and comprehensive programme using swimming, football, karate, and Physical Education to engage, equip and uplift children and youth in Lamu; additionally, the support will enable Pamoja Initiative to upgrade and expand the social enterprises and their structures.

Project partner

The Pamoja Initiative‘s purpose is to improve the wellbeing of marginalised communities in Lamu, Kenya, through sports, education, and leadership; the mission is to foster a healthy, safe, and vibrant society by engaging children and youth, particularly girls and those from low-income backgrounds, as active change agents for social transformation.