Sport not only promotes fitness, but also community spirit, fairness, and teamwork. These values are equally important for schools and society. However, as Tanzanian schools often lack sports equipment and trained sports teachers, PROBONO joined forces with its partner organization Future Stars Academy in 2023 to provide new impetus.

Three multi-day training courses were held in Mwanga, Arusha, and Moshi for a total of 62 teachers from 31 primary and secondary schools. The content focused on developing training units and topics such as gender equality, child protection, health, and injury prevention. Particular emphasis was placed on how sport can be used to promote team spirit and a stronger sense of community in schools.

The feedback from participants was clear: the methods taught can be applied not only in physical education classes, but also in other subjects. As with netball or soccer, every child must be met at their current level in the classroom. This is best achieved with a clear structure, precise instructions, and individual support strategies. In this way, promoting physical activity contributes directly to the achievement of SDG 4, “Quality Education.”

The participating teachers now have the task of providing an educational and structural framework for the subject “Sports and Games” at their schools and networking with each other. The first synergy effects are already visible: for example, the PROBONO partner schools in Arusha, together with Future Stars Academy, organized a large soccer and netball tournament with over 480 students. The winning teams from Kaloleni Secondary School and Amani Primary School qualified for the Chipkizi Cup, the largest youth and grassroots soccer tournament in East Africa. The girls' team from Edmund Rice Secondary School also received an invitation to the LaLiga East Africa Cup.

These successes show how sport opens doors to education, community, and new opportunities. They are only possible thanks to the support of many donors – thank you very much for your help!