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Kids from Kuwinda and Mitumba slum having a time of their lives in Brookhouse playing basketball
The social-economic differences between the children and youth playing on the field were vast. Sixty of them are growing up in some of the poorest and roughest slums in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The other 40 have never known what it is like to lack a meal or shelter. The only thing that gave away their differences as they played soccer and rugby on the well-kept field, and dribbled basketball in the world class gymnasium, were the styles and quality of clothing on their backs.
The youth and children were at Brookhouse International School where CMA’s Children and Youth Ministry (CYM), in partnership with an American charity, Sports Power, had held the exciting event. The one day sports workshop saw the 30 children from Mitumba and Kuwinda Slums, respectively, battle it out with their affluent friends from Brookhouse, an exclusive international school.
The teens were split into three competitive teams, Blue, Red and Green, and pitched against each other in games of Rugby, Soccer and Basketball. They played and cheered their respective teams, bringing out the true love of Christ as is intended by the program. The event was meant to sensitize and promote integration between the youth and to show that the love of Jesus knows no bounds. “In Jesus Christ, we are all one family. We hope that these children will realize that as they mingle and engage with each other,” says Steve Mwangi, CYM coordinator.
Chad Hoffman, CMA Director of Operations during the sports clinic giving shooting tips
CMA’s Operations Director, Chad Hoffman, brought the point home at the end of the day when he said, “When I looked out at the field and in the gym today, I didn’t see guys from Kuwinda or Mitumba or Brookhouse. I just saw a bunch of young people having fun and enjoying each other’s company!”
“We are not only looking at sports but also exploring other avenues of partnership, including sharing educational materials and food,” Steve says with a satisfied smile.