Kujenga Amani Project Spurs Youth-Led Peace Initiatives in Kisauni through Sports

September 2, 2024

On the 17th and 18th of August, the vibrant community of Kisauni, Mombasa County, witnessed an inspiring initiative aimed at building peace and empowering youth through sports. The Kujenga Amani Project, under the leadership of SambaSports Youth Agenda, held a two-day football tournament that brought together young men from various parts of Mombasa County to engage in not only sports but also in critical discussions about peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

The Kujenga Amani Project recognizes the unique power of sports as a unifying force that transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers. This football tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was a platform for dialogue, education, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among the youth. Through football, participants were reminded of the importance of peaceful engagements and the role of sports in fostering unity.Beyond the football matches, the event featured group discussions and presentations that allowed participants to delve into the causes of conflict in their communities and explore viable solutions. Issues such as unemployment, tribalism, social status disparities, and juvenile gangs were among the major concerns highlighted by the youth. The discussions were not only insightful but also empowering, as the young participants took the lead in proposing solutions to these challenges.

One of the standout moments came from Omar, a youth representing South Africa FC, who emphasized the importance of narrowing down choices and focusing on achievable goals as a pathway to success. His words resonated with many, underscoring the potential of youth when given the right opportunities and guidance.The Kujenga Amani Project is deeply committed to providing young people with access to opportunities that can transform their lives. During the event, the participants discussed various avenues available to them, such as youth funds, grants, sports clubs, and education opportunities. The importance of volunteerism was also highlighted, with the youth recognizing it as a critical step towards gaining skills and accessing further opportunities.

The involvement of key stakeholders, including area chiefs, youth representatives from SambaSports Youth Agenda, and facilitators from Dream Achievers and CEFA, played a significant role in making the event a success. Their presence and contributions were instrumental in bridging the gap between the youth and available resources, reinforcing the project’s objective of empowering the next generation.The Kujenga Amani Project’s activities in Kisauni are a testament to the potential of sports for development in building peaceful and resilient communities. By engaging youth in meaningful dialogue and sports, the project has not only enhanced their conflict resolution skills but also changed the perception of youth within their communities. The participants left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with the knowledge and tools to become agents of peace in their communities.

Looking forward, SambaSports Youth Agenda plans to continue its efforts in empowering the youth through similar initiatives. The focus will remain on fostering peace through sports, expanding access to safe spaces where young people can express themselves, and strengthening the referral systems that connect them to opportunities. The Kujenga Amani Project will also continue to engage local stakeholders, ensuring that the youth are supported in their journey towards becoming leaders and peacebuilders.

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Meet The Team

Copyright © Samba Sports Youth Agenda. 2023
Nsinazo Waraka
Director

Director Nsinazo Waraka is a Dynamic, Detail-oriented and Collaborative professional with broad experience in Senior strategic leadership and advisory roles.

Holding a Master of Science Degree, Development Finance, from University of Reading, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Sociology, Na. Nsinazo brings to the board a wealth of unbeatable experience in financial management and audit, policy analysis, strategic leadership as well as a passion for women empowerment.

Having worked for more than a decade at the Central Bank of Kenya, and managing a Media institution currently, SambaSports is safer in relation to tenets of financial accountability, PR and strategic visibility.

Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera
Director

Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera is the current Director, Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure, at the Coast Development Authority.

A firm but soft spoken Motivational Speaker, Dr. Mwanasiti holds a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Ecology, from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

She also holds a Masters Degree, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, from Egerton University.

Being a local girl, born and raised in Kwale County, Msambweni area, It is utter magical to have Dr. Siti in the board, as she signifies triumph from the perception that coastal people, especially girls, either don’t value education or just don’t do well. Studying Chemistry to a PhD level for a local girl is beyond pride, …it is testament to the fact that Impossible is an illusion.

Norah Chao
Director

Holding a Masters Degree in Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University, and a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Human Resources), Director Norah brings onboard an oversight capacity on the management aspect of the organization, particularly on Staff Welfare and wellness.

Director Norah works as a Human Resources officer for Teachers Service Commission, and she has achieved so much in terms of organizing the work force, capacity building and motivation of human resources.

Aside from her core work, Ms. Norah is an avid champion of Girls and Women Empowerment, which is a core pillar of our work at SambaSports Youth Agenda. To that end, she founded Nahugombe CBO, which is the platform she uses to engage girls and young women in Kinango, through Life Skills trainings and other strategic initiatives to prevent Sexual and Gender Based Violence, especially focusing on preventing Teenage Pregnancies in Kinango Sub county.

Joria Sudi Mwakwambirwa
Director

Director Joria Sudi is a Program management expert, with at least 10 years of experience, managing projects at high levels, on behalf of a host of reputed international organizations.

Holding a Masters Degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Director Joria brings a wealth of expertise to the board, in terms of program planning, management and oversight.

As if that wasn’t top drawer enough, Director is finalizing her Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Amani Counseling and Training Institute, to augment her authority in the current dynamic spheres of program management, where the Globe is keen on Mental Wellness.

For @SambaSports Youth Agenda, Mental Wellness, community care and relational well-being are foundational to all our projects, therefore, it is well fitting to have oversight personnel that appreciate and influence that aspect of our work.

Part of her great work has been appreciated at Forum for International Cooperation where she has steadily grown through the ranks since 2013, Chemonics International Inc., Kwetu Training Centre, Kwetu Training Centre, and many more.

Nicholas Kisara
Director

Director Nick is a tested and proven management consultant, thriving in the banking sector as an award winning Sales Manager over a span of 16 years.

Winning annual Sales awards at Barclays Bank (2009), Barclays Bank (2010), NIC Bank (2013), and Chase Bank (2015), Director Nick has been a proven force in his management duties at the highest levels in banking, something that he brings to the table at SambaSports.

Apart from sales management, Director Nick thrived as a Relationship Manager at Housing Finance Limited, bringing on board top leaders and influencers to the bank during his tenure.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa, and Bachelors of Business Management from Mount Kenya University, Nairobi, Director Nick is not just a management consultant, but also an avid community engager, passionate contributor to Youth empowerment initiatives.

For SambaSports to have Director Nick sit on the Board is a massive win, and a catalyst for transformative attitude cultivation in our programs.

Director Juma Nassoro
Director

Director Juma Nassoro is an astute Community Program management expert, with at least 8 years of project management experience with reputed organizations, across the coastal region of Kenya.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Nairobi, Director Juma exudes skills and significant capacity matrix in the field of Environmental management, Climate Action, Agriculture, Mental Health, ICT, Data & Analytics, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.

Over the last 8 years, Director Juma has left legacies from his Management roles at National Cohesion and Integration Commission (Community Policing Trainer), KEMRI ( Tumikia Project), Global Trauma Project, and currently Program Manager at HERI-Kenya ( Health & Environmental Research Institute.

Director Juma brings dynamism, passion and a lens of diversity to SambaSports Youth Agenda.

Mwanaisha Kuwania
Co-Founder, Gender & Special Programs Coordinator
Coming from a Media background and a renown thespian, having graced the stage on Participatory Educative Theatre with SAFE Pwani organization, and also involved in local soap operas on national television, Mwanaisha found her niche with community development, with a special lens on girls empowerment.
Having come from a village life in the interior of Kwale County, Mwanaisha was met with restrictive cultures and traditions, with even parents not fully appreciating the power of arts and other alternatives in empowering girls and boys in general. Through that experience, Mwanaisha has found the passion, the zeal and commitment to use arts, skits and values infusion, to lift girls and young women to their dreams.
Apart from her Diploma in Mass Communication  from Aviation College, she has, over the years at SambaSports, gained unbeatable skills and experiences in Facilitation skills, Value Based Education, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Child protection, Life Skills techniques and Mental Health support through the Kumekucha, Kumekucha Quest models and the tree of Life Model of mental health sensitization skills gained from her two weeks training in Zimbabwe.
Mwanaisha comes along as a charismatic young female leader, who has held forte for most of the female SambaSports team members, who joined SambaSports as volunteer Girl mentors under her coordination.
Mariam Mohammed
Drug Abuse Counselor

Mariam has a background in Community Development and Social Work. She is a trained Mediator and Trauma Counselor. Mariam is a ToT on Value-Based Education and an ambassador to Young Cities. She shares a considerable amount of experience in her work with the community playing various roles as Girl Child mentor, Trauma Counselor for youths and adolescents, and mediating. Mariam is a long-serving Project Assistant for the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction project. She shares the unending passion for community service also traveling and socializing describe her best interests.

Abigael Ndizi Kavithu
Member

Abigael is an enthusiastic and passionate mentor for adolescents in school with a reputable public speaking ability. She is pursuing education at Kenyatta University. Her interest in child protection has seen her pursuing a certificate in child and drug abuse counselling at Amani Training Institute College. She has been a member since 2018, seeing herself be part of several projects including the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction (ASRHI) and Kumekucha Quest. Abigael enjoys inspiring and influencing healthier behavior among adolescents—sees herself as an agent of change.

Riziki Hamisi Mwakusirikwa
Member

Riziki shares a wealth of experience in community development. She is trained as a trainer of trainers adequately in several areas including life skills, crime prevention, and counselling. Riziki is also pursuing a diploma un counselling psychology at Amani Training Institute College. She is an active advocate on GBV, land issues, women and youth mentorship. Her love for the community has seen her through various projects including Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction (ASRHI), Shared Futures Project, and Kumekucha Quest