I am so thrilled to see this project taking off! It sounds like it is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of the girls at Chikumbuso! Combining Grassroot Soccer's HIV prevention program with mentoring and regular participation in sports is such a great idea. Can't wait to see the GOal Girl GOal team in action someday!
Grace,
Sports are a fantastic outlet for many people and it is wonderful to see that this opportunity is becoming available to girls at at Chikumbuso. It will help so many of them build confidence, determination, be more healthy and active, and develop a unique bond with one another. Excellent work!
Great idea to use the proven Grassroot Soccer curriculum and local female role models as a means to direct target women. Just a quick thought for a partnership...you might consider looking into the Girls for a Change curriculum/program (http://www.girlsforachange.org/). It sounds like you have a solid group of girls who are looking to change their social situation, beginning with HIV might only be the first step in empowering these women.
Thanks so much for sharing the Girls for a Change program! You're so right that the HIV focus is only a start to the potential for social change that lies in this project. GOal Girl GOal's mission looks to be completely in line with Girls for Change's goals of increasing young girls' self-efficacy and sense of support through role models. I would love to learn more about replicating the Girls for Change model in Zambia!
No problem! I can put you in contact with the woman that we worked with for Soccer Without Borders and maybe you could set up a training or a meeting! mary@soccerwithoutborders.org if you want to email me, I'll send a joint email to you and her...
I see on the website that Girls for Change is actually expanding their work to Zambia this summer...might be worth a meeting with them when they're there! The GOal Girl GOal program is quite new, so we're a bit hesitant to jump into additional partnerships right away, but we would definitely love to talk with you about Soccer Without Border's experience with Girls for Change. I'll send an email soon!
Grace - This is such an exciting idea. I really believe it will have far reaching and long term impact. Its wonderful that a person of the stature of Gift Lisaka has committed to this- her involvement will give the program so much energy. I really hope the powers that be can understand how important it is to have programs like this which make long-term impact that grows exponentially. I hope you have a way of drawing a lot of positive media attention to the program because it simultaneously addresses so many issues. Good luck to you.
This project is so exciting! The girls at Chikumbuso are very lucky to get the opportunity! It's so great to give girls who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to play on a football team the chance to while also providing them with lifeskills and positive strong female role models who they can look up to! I know how much I've learned just from being apart of a team before and having something like football training to look forward to! I can't wait to see what happens to this team because I know there are some exciting plans for them :-) GOal Girl GOal!!
Grace, I'm in agreement with the power of sport, and your decidion to utilise this power to educate girls about HIV. This project essences the power to change sport has. And the power sport has to unite people.
Great project... Good Luck with all you do.
Grace is an incredible young woman and an inspirational role model. I recently visited Lusaka and participated in a workshop with her on monitoring and evaluation--she is such an effective young leader for Grassroot Soccer Zambia! While this program is small in scale in its early stages, it shows immense promise for combining the delivery of a proven-effective HIV/AIDS and life skills curriculum, the creation of an empowering all-girls soccer team, and the infectious inspiration of one of Zambia's most impressive female role models, Gift Lisaka. Keep up the great work!!!
I love the pictures. I love seeing these girls who have never had the opportunity to play on a team taking over the field that is constantly filled with men and young boys. You can tell Grace's enthusiasm, confidence and strength have already rubbed off in the team picture with everyone yelling. I imagine in a couple weeks Gift's and Lena's soccer skills will start to be noticeable as well. What a great group of role models. What a great group of young woman and future Zambia footballers. What a wonderful idea.
I'm thrilled to see a program targeted specifically to young girls! Positive role models and peers can truly make a difference in a young girl's life.....and using the power of soccer to unite and build passion makes such good sense! Kudos to you Grace and best of luck!!
Women Win is the first ever international women’s fund that supports sport and physical activities as instruments for social change and women’s empowerment.
Women Win believes that sport is the way for women and girls to learn leadership skills, develop character, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, while at the same time discover the fun, support and power of being together.
Women Win is excited to be a part of the GameChangers Competition.
Women Win will use the competition to find a fellow between the ages of 15 and 65 years old that positively change the lives of women and girls in their community through sports.
Women Win has fellows and ambassadors who are brilliant, innovative and effective women who contribute significantly to the advancement of societies and address social problems through sports as a strategy. http://www.womenwin.org/fellows.html
So glad to see you take on a leadership role. Your involvement in this initiative ensures big things are to come!
Make sure to connect with City Lads in Port Elizabeth & Spurs in Cape Town. Both have Banyana Banyana players involved in the management of these all-female soccer clubs.
Sport, especially for girls, is such a protective factor! Shoot me an email and I'll try to link you to potentially valuable resources.
I am a good friend of Lena's and have worked with the Grassroot Soccer curriculum in the Dominican Republic. I think it's AMAZING what you are doing for these girls in Chikumbuso!!
A few friends and I are heading that way next summer and I will definitely be in touch to find out how we can help out while we're there!
Keep it up, you have so much support. You GOal Girl!!!
I really hope that your goals are achieved and the girls you're working with learn something that stays with them for the rest of their lives. You guys are doing something awesome for people who need it and you should all be recognized.
This is so exciting to see!! Girls all over the world are still not having equal opportunities to play sports, even with all of the organizations that are working towards sports equity. I love what you are doing and am sure that you will have a HUGE impact on the lives of these girls! Keep up the amazing work that you are doing!!
Grace,It sounds very powerfull and it is nice to chat to you after I met you in Gauteng anyway I would like to c this girls when they visit here pls let me know,I like the girls involvement
Grace! You have really taken the next step in your career! When I first worked with you in Zambia back in 2005 you showed signs of blossoming into an incredible woman with fantastic leadership skillz. I am blown away by how far you've come since then.
You took it upon yourself to make sure you got a higher education and followed your passion for women's studies. It takes an infinite amount of courage to do that in a place like Zambia.
I also remember the first time that you went to Chikumbuso--because we were together! You made an impact on the girls there from the moment you walked through the gate. I can only imagine how much it's grown in the last 2 years.
This project is bound to be a success with you at the helm. You inspire me, Grace Lungu!!!
The project is so inspirational. I hope the word continues to spread so more people learn about this initiative. Good luck and thank you for your incredible efforts.
This is an AMAZING project! Sports are a wonderful tool for empowerment and education, and HIV/AIDS education is so critical. How exciting! I love the photos, too. Thanks for all your work putting this program together - it is an inspiration.
Brillant! Spreading the goals of GRS and working with another organization that share a common interest. Good luck and can't wait to hear about the inevitable progress!
Permítanme felicitarles y desearles el EXITO del mundo! Debemos FORMAR LIDERES como ustedes para poder HACER cosas extraordinarias como las que hacen con Grassroot Soccer! Cuando estemos list@s les contactaremos para poder hacer éste tipo de cosas también acá en el Ecuador!
Allow us to congratulate you all and wish you ALL the luck and the WORLD SUCCESS!! We shall FORM LEADERS like you all, for being able DO extraordinary things like Grassroot Soccer is doing! Congratulations again and when we should be ready, I will contact you for doing this type of things in Ecuador as well!
My parents have told me what an amazing project you're running. Can't wait to meet you and see the work you're doing when i come to visit my brother stuart.
Grace!
I am Elise's aunt from Ohio and I love to hear about what's going on with GRS. I'm so impressed with the way to have taken what you have learned and gone to another level with the women of Zambia. What a contagious energy and enthusiasm you have...way to give your love and talents!!!!!
Grace,
Elise keeps me updated on all the wonderful GRS work and this looks like such a wonderful program! So glad to see you took it on and seem to be doing a wonderful job with the women's soccer team.
I am an old friend of Alise's Aunt. Word of your work is spreading! What vision and determination and skills you must have to conceive of and make happen such a partnership. You Go Girl! And, you tell all of us what you need us to do to support your efforts.
Grace,
Great to see photos of the girls. Are they wearing basketball uniforms? How is the gear situation? Seems like obtaining proper gear could be an important step for you guys.
Yep! Those are old basketball uniforms...recently donated from a team in the US. I wish I could share with you the excitement and pride that swept over the team when they first tried on the new uniforms...and they're not even football uniforms! Most of these girls have never played football before and many have never dreamed of being on a real team, so putting on matching jerseys was a powerful step in building our team. I saw a real transformation take place in that moment and was more inspired than ever about what lies ahead for these young women!
While the basketball uniforms are great for practice, the girls still really need proper football uniforms and boots. They'll feel so good about themselves and once we start playing in tournaments around Lusaka, we'll need the right gear!
This looks awesome!! I cannot wait to meet the Chikumbuso team! I am so proud of you for taking it upon yourself to start this. Also, I have never met someone who automatically emits such positive energy, and kindness as you do Grace. You are just a pleasure to be around. I can't wait to spend time with you in Zambia!
Grace,
Thanks so much for doing this with the Chikumbuso girls! I'm sure it is a wonderful experience for them. I have a special place in my heart for everyone in Chikumbuso. I especially love the pictures of the girls in the Basketball uniforms. My daughter used to wear one of them, they are from our school!
I feel honored to have had the pleasure of working with you...and at the beginning of both of our careers! You have blossomed into an amazing adult.
You have done GRS proud and continue to be an inspiration to me and so many other people...especially the young women of Zambia. Your magnificent spirit is contagious.
Grace- Bupe's mom here in Minnesota. She keeps me informed of the amazing work you do in Zambia. The best of luck in this project. Lord knows, if the world is going to change for the better we need "GIRL POWER" to get the job done!
How wonderful! You ladies are really making things happen for the Zambian women and girls. What a great way to help these young ladies become confident, healthy, and have fun! Bless you.
This sounds like an amazing program. I have been a female athlete in America every since I can remember and it has given me the confidence and determination I do not think any other area of life could give me. Hopefully soccer will be as life-changing for these girls as it has been for me!
I echo the messages of the above comments. The approach of a program like this provides endless opportunities. Initiatives such as GOal Girl GOal are certainly an inspiration and I wish you the very best for a successful journey. :)
Comments
Grace,
I am so thrilled to see this project taking off! It sounds like it is going to make a tremendous difference in the lives of the girls at Chikumbuso! Combining Grassroot Soccer's HIV prevention program with mentoring and regular participation in sports is such a great idea. Can't wait to see the GOal Girl GOal team in action someday!
~Elise
This looks like another awesome program that has come out of GRS. I'm proud to have a friend working with you guys out there. Keep it up!
Kayla
Grace,
Sports are a fantastic outlet for many people and it is wonderful to see that this opportunity is becoming available to girls at at Chikumbuso. It will help so many of them build confidence, determination, be more healthy and active, and develop a unique bond with one another. Excellent work!
-Erin
Hi Grace,
Great idea to use the proven Grassroot Soccer curriculum and local female role models as a means to direct target women. Just a quick thought for a partnership...you might consider looking into the Girls for a Change curriculum/program (http://www.girlsforachange.org/). It sounds like you have a solid group of girls who are looking to change their social situation, beginning with HIV might only be the first step in empowering these women.
Thanks so much for sharing the Girls for a Change program! You're so right that the HIV focus is only a start to the potential for social change that lies in this project. GOal Girl GOal's mission looks to be completely in line with Girls for Change's goals of increasing young girls' self-efficacy and sense of support through role models. I would love to learn more about replicating the Girls for Change model in Zambia!
-Grace
No problem! I can put you in contact with the woman that we worked with for Soccer Without Borders and maybe you could set up a training or a meeting! mary@soccerwithoutborders.org if you want to email me, I'll send a joint email to you and her...
I see on the website that Girls for Change is actually expanding their work to Zambia this summer...might be worth a meeting with them when they're there! The GOal Girl GOal program is quite new, so we're a bit hesitant to jump into additional partnerships right away, but we would definitely love to talk with you about Soccer Without Border's experience with Girls for Change. I'll send an email soon!
Thanks!
-Grace
Grace - This is such an exciting idea. I really believe it will have far reaching and long term impact. Its wonderful that a person of the stature of Gift Lisaka has committed to this- her involvement will give the program so much energy. I really hope the powers that be can understand how important it is to have programs like this which make long-term impact that grows exponentially. I hope you have a way of drawing a lot of positive media attention to the program because it simultaneously addresses so many issues. Good luck to you.
This project is so exciting! The girls at Chikumbuso are very lucky to get the opportunity! It's so great to give girls who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to play on a football team the chance to while also providing them with lifeskills and positive strong female role models who they can look up to! I know how much I've learned just from being apart of a team before and having something like football training to look forward to! I can't wait to see what happens to this team because I know there are some exciting plans for them :-) GOal Girl GOal!!
Grace, I'm in agreement with the power of sport, and your decidion to utilise this power to educate girls about HIV. This project essences the power to change sport has. And the power sport has to unite people.
Great project... Good Luck with all you do.
Jasmine
xxx
Grace is an incredible young woman and an inspirational role model. I recently visited Lusaka and participated in a workshop with her on monitoring and evaluation--she is such an effective young leader for Grassroot Soccer Zambia! While this program is small in scale in its early stages, it shows immense promise for combining the delivery of a proven-effective HIV/AIDS and life skills curriculum, the creation of an empowering all-girls soccer team, and the infectious inspiration of one of Zambia's most impressive female role models, Gift Lisaka. Keep up the great work!!!
I love the pictures. I love seeing these girls who have never had the opportunity to play on a team taking over the field that is constantly filled with men and young boys. You can tell Grace's enthusiasm, confidence and strength have already rubbed off in the team picture with everyone yelling. I imagine in a couple weeks Gift's and Lena's soccer skills will start to be noticeable as well. What a great group of role models. What a great group of young woman and future Zambia footballers. What a wonderful idea.
I'm thrilled to see a program targeted specifically to young girls! Positive role models and peers can truly make a difference in a young girl's life.....and using the power of soccer to unite and build passion makes such good sense! Kudos to you Grace and best of luck!!
Grace,
I would like to invite you to join the Women Win group at http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/en-us/group/womenwin. Just click in join this group.
Women Win is the first ever international women’s fund that supports sport and physical activities as instruments for social change and women’s empowerment.
Women Win believes that sport is the way for women and girls to learn leadership skills, develop character, self-esteem and a sense of belonging, while at the same time discover the fun, support and power of being together.
Women Win is excited to be a part of the GameChangers Competition.
Women Win will use the competition to find a fellow between the ages of 15 and 65 years old that positively change the lives of women and girls in their community through sports.
Women Win has fellows and ambassadors who are brilliant, innovative and effective women who contribute significantly to the advancement of societies and address social problems through sports as a strategy. http://www.womenwin.org/fellows.html
We would love to hear opinion on the topics debated here http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/forum/262.
All the best luck!
Grace,
So glad to see you take on a leadership role. Your involvement in this initiative ensures big things are to come!
Make sure to connect with City Lads in Port Elizabeth & Spurs in Cape Town. Both have Banyana Banyana players involved in the management of these all-female soccer clubs.
Sport, especially for girls, is such a protective factor! Shoot me an email and I'll try to link you to potentially valuable resources.
Best. C
Grace,
I am a good friend of Lena's and have worked with the Grassroot Soccer curriculum in the Dominican Republic. I think it's AMAZING what you are doing for these girls in Chikumbuso!!
A few friends and I are heading that way next summer and I will definitely be in touch to find out how we can help out while we're there!
Keep it up, you have so much support. You GOal Girl!!!
-Michele
I really hope that your goals are achieved and the girls you're working with learn something that stays with them for the rest of their lives. You guys are doing something awesome for people who need it and you should all be recognized.
Good luck!
This is so exciting to see!! Girls all over the world are still not having equal opportunities to play sports, even with all of the organizations that are working towards sports equity. I love what you are doing and am sure that you will have a HUGE impact on the lives of these girls! Keep up the amazing work that you are doing!!
NBQNONONGO
Grace,It sounds very powerfull and it is nice to chat to you after I met you in Gauteng anyway I would like to c this girls when they visit here pls let me know,I like the girls involvement
This sounds like an AMAZING project it will really change the lives of these women!
This project sounds like an incredibly empowering program and will certainly make an impact on these girls' lives. Good work and good luck!
Grace! You have really taken the next step in your career! When I first worked with you in Zambia back in 2005 you showed signs of blossoming into an incredible woman with fantastic leadership skillz. I am blown away by how far you've come since then.
You took it upon yourself to make sure you got a higher education and followed your passion for women's studies. It takes an infinite amount of courage to do that in a place like Zambia.
I also remember the first time that you went to Chikumbuso--because we were together! You made an impact on the girls there from the moment you walked through the gate. I can only imagine how much it's grown in the last 2 years.
This project is bound to be a success with you at the helm. You inspire me, Grace Lungu!!!
GOal GIRL GOal!!!
-Bupe
What an incredibly inspirational story and project. You are using a proven approach with a focused and specific objective. A true, winning plan.
I wish you all the best and look forward to learning about the changes and impact you'll be making!
Chris
The project is so inspirational. I hope the word continues to spread so more people learn about this initiative. Good luck and thank you for your incredible efforts.
Best,
Caitlin
This is an AMAZING project! Sports are a wonderful tool for empowerment and education, and HIV/AIDS education is so critical. How exciting! I love the photos, too. Thanks for all your work putting this program together - it is an inspiration.
Hillary
Brillant! Spreading the goals of GRS and working with another organization that share a common interest. Good luck and can't wait to hear about the inevitable progress!
Permítanme felicitarles y desearles el EXITO del mundo! Debemos FORMAR LIDERES como ustedes para poder HACER cosas extraordinarias como las que hacen con Grassroot Soccer! Cuando estemos list@s les contactaremos para poder hacer éste tipo de cosas también acá en el Ecuador!
Allow us to congratulate you all and wish you ALL the luck and the WORLD SUCCESS!! We shall FORM LEADERS like you all, for being able DO extraordinary things like Grassroot Soccer is doing! Congratulations again and when we should be ready, I will contact you for doing this type of things in Ecuador as well!
Grace,
My parents have told me what an amazing project you're running. Can't wait to meet you and see the work you're doing when i come to visit my brother stuart.
Grace!
I am Elise's aunt from Ohio and I love to hear about what's going on with GRS. I'm so impressed with the way to have taken what you have learned and gone to another level with the women of Zambia. What a contagious energy and enthusiasm you have...way to give your love and talents!!!!!
Best wishes and peace to you,
Ann Mosby
Grace,
Elise keeps me updated on all the wonderful GRS work and this looks like such a wonderful program! So glad to see you took it on and seem to be doing a wonderful job with the women's soccer team.
Keep up the great work!
Claire Wildermuth
Lena - you inspire me!
Grace,
This is really incredible. Your effort and dedication is truly inspiring. Keep it going!
I LOVE to see women helping women! If we are going to succeed we MUST help each other! Support one another! and take interest in one another.
Grace,
So good to see what you are doing with young girls by encouraging them in sports and beyond !!
Good luck to you and keep up the good work !
Grace is an inspirational young leader in Zambia and Southern Africa. She and the people she works with will GO far with GOal Girl GOal!
Grace,
I am an old friend of Alise's Aunt. Word of your work is spreading! What vision and determination and skills you must have to conceive of and make happen such a partnership. You Go Girl! And, you tell all of us what you need us to do to support your efforts.
Alisha Gallini Richmond, VA (USA)
Grace,
Great to see photos of the girls. Are they wearing basketball uniforms? How is the gear situation? Seems like obtaining proper gear could be an important step for you guys.
Yep! Those are old basketball uniforms...recently donated from a team in the US. I wish I could share with you the excitement and pride that swept over the team when they first tried on the new uniforms...and they're not even football uniforms! Most of these girls have never played football before and many have never dreamed of being on a real team, so putting on matching jerseys was a powerful step in building our team. I saw a real transformation take place in that moment and was more inspired than ever about what lies ahead for these young women!
While the basketball uniforms are great for practice, the girls still really need proper football uniforms and boots. They'll feel so good about themselves and once we start playing in tournaments around Lusaka, we'll need the right gear!
-Grace
Go GRS!
What a great program and what a phenomenal impact it is making on the young girls lives at Chikumbuso! Keep up the great work!
Dave
Hey Girls!!
Can't believe you finally did it..
Am so proud to see you all put in so much time to make your team strong.
You are the Best ;)
Goal Girls Goal!!!
Izek 4
Grace-
This looks awesome!! I cannot wait to meet the Chikumbuso team! I am so proud of you for taking it upon yourself to start this. Also, I have never met someone who automatically emits such positive energy, and kindness as you do Grace. You are just a pleasure to be around. I can't wait to spend time with you in Zambia!
xoxo
Carolyn
Grace,
Thanks so much for doing this with the Chikumbuso girls! I'm sure it is a wonderful experience for them. I have a special place in my heart for everyone in Chikumbuso. I especially love the pictures of the girls in the Basketball uniforms. My daughter used to wear one of them, they are from our school!
Grace--great job on putting together this innovative project! The girls at Chikumbuso are sure to be inspired by you and Gift!!
Keep up the great work in Zambia - well done Grace and everyone involved in this great program
Chipolopolo eee yaa
Madaliso
Grace,
I feel honored to have had the pleasure of working with you...and at the beginning of both of our careers! You have blossomed into an amazing adult.
You have done GRS proud and continue to be an inspiration to me and so many other people...especially the young women of Zambia. Your magnificent spirit is contagious.
Keep up the great work!
Jessi
(Taonga)
Grace- Bupe's mom here in Minnesota. She keeps me informed of the amazing work you do in Zambia. The best of luck in this project. Lord knows, if the world is going to change for the better we need "GIRL POWER" to get the job done!
How wonderful! You ladies are really making things happen for the Zambian women and girls. What a great way to help these young ladies become confident, healthy, and have fun! Bless you.
This sounds like an amazing program. I have been a female athlete in America every since I can remember and it has given me the confidence and determination I do not think any other area of life could give me. Hopefully soccer will be as life-changing for these girls as it has been for me!
I echo the messages of the above comments. The approach of a program like this provides endless opportunities. Initiatives such as GOal Girl GOal are certainly an inspiration and I wish you the very best for a successful journey. :)
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