Project overview
The Girls United project uses the power of football to create positive change in the lives of 195 girls aged 9-17 living in the Namuwongo settlement, Kampala, Uganda. Through football training, life skills education, and mentoring, the programme aims to reduce teenage pregnancy and HIV infection, while promoting school retention and building self-esteem. The programme will run over 36 months and is implemented by Hope for Children, a local women-led NGO with a strong history of successful community-based projects.
Building on the success of Hope for Children’s original Girls United project, which has been providing football opportunities since 2018, this intervention provides 60 football training sessions per year, delivered by professional coaches. The girls also benefit from nutritious meals, mentoring by social workers and counsellors, and life skills sessions focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), communication, and nutrition.
Why is the project needed?
Namuwongo is the second-largest informal settlement in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, home to over 15,000 residents. The majority of the population lives in extreme poverty, with most families earning less than £1 a day. High poverty rates, inadequate access to services, and precarious living conditions place girls at significant risk of teenage pregnancy, HIV infection, and school dropout. By providing these girls with football training, life skills education, and a safe space to learn, the Girls United vs Teenage Pregnancy project helps reduce these risks and gives the girls the tools to break the cycle of poverty.
Project objectives
- 25 girls who demonstrate leadership potential will be trained as volunteers to mentor younger girls, promoting peer support and leadership within the programme.
- Reduce Teenage Pregnancy and HIV Infection:
Zero teenage pregnancies among project participants during the course of the programme. 80% of girls will engage in less risky behaviour, including reduced unprotected sex and substance abuse. 80% of girls will demonstrate improved knowledge and awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). - Increase School Retention:
School retention will improve by 25% due to the additional educational support, mentoring, and advocacy provided through the programme. - Promote Well-Being and Self-Esteem Through Sport:
Weekly football sessions (60 per year), delivered by two qualified coaches, will help build confidence and life skills. During the holidays, sessions will be held twice weekly at Kisugu Church Primary School. - Develop Leadership Skills:
25 girls who demonstrate leadership potential will be trained as volunteers to mentor younger girls, promoting peer support and leadership within the programme.
Our impact so far
- 65 girls have been supported by the programme in 2024-25.
- Zero teenage pregnancies have been reported among participants.
- 80% of girls have engaged in less risky behaviour, including reduced unprotected sex and substance abuse.
- Increased SRHR Awareness: At least 80% of participants demonstrated improved knowledge and awareness of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- 25% improvement in school retention due to the programme’s support