Forming part of the Xylem Water Heroes Academy network, the project is led by a group of Young Leaders who are using football to tackle period inequality and improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
Over a four-day period, Manchester City coaches delivered training to 18 Young Leaders, which comprised sharing expertise and knowledge in community football coaching, leadership, and water education.
The week culminated in a community football festival, with Young Leaders putting their learnings into practice and educating local children from the community on sanitation issues through fun football games.
Representatives from Xylem Kenya, who are mentoring the Young Leaders, also supported the festival, leading activities with local children on hand washing and safe water.
Taking place on World AIDs Day, the community festival also provided an opportunity for community participants to access free HIV testing, in partnership with local NGO partner Tackle.
Reflecting on the training, Young Leader Zainab said: “The Young Leader training was amazing. We learnt new Football & Water Education sessions and how to prepare for training, warm ups and small sided games, working together as Young Leaders.
“It was a great experience for us and the community!”
In November, the project in Nairobi was announced as this season’s top-voted Water Heroes Academy project, receiving the most fan votes in a campaign that spotlighted young leaders in five cities around the world.
The Young Leader training forms part of the prize that they will receive, to be followed by a special visit to their project by a Manchester City legend and further training in the WASH curriculum.
Water Heroes Academy, supported by Xylem and Cityzens Giving, is a global network of youth-led projects aimed at tackling water challenges in local communities using the power of football.
Find out more about Xylem’s Football & Water Education training HERE.
