During  the EAST AFRICA CUP Tournament, children from the East African Countries came together to play, it was not only about sport but the children also had the opportunity to participate in different organized seminars. The Kicking AIDS Out was one of the seminars. The concept was used to create awareness amongst the young people and the results were amazing, Children had the opportunity to show case their leadership skills and facilitators were able to identify and support children and thus lead to positive behaviour change.

LATIFA Mmubaraka is a young enthusiastic girl from EMIMA Kiwalani, who attended and participated fully in all the U 13 years Kicking AIDS Out sessions, for both boys and girls. Latifa was able to show her leadership skills by taking the lead in the group and directing her peers. During discussions Latifa stood out, she was willing to try and even asked the facilitators to give her the opportunity to explain further and give examples regarding the topic being discussed. Her contribution to the sessions that involved HIV awareness and sports development showed that if given opportunity she could be able to develop these skills in to a career. This shows how the Kicking AIDS Out concept adopted by different sports organizations that involves creating awareness on HIV has played a major role in her life. “She has the potential of being a great leader and deserves follow up and training as a peer educator for her to achieve her potential”, commented Jacquelean from MYSA.  It’s hoped that EMIMA will follow up on this issue and support this Outstanding young girl by enabling her what she could be.

Ally Mmbarak is a young boy from EMIMA Makuburi Center, who participated in the Kicking AIDS Out sessions for the Under 13 years. At the start Ally was reserved and was not actively involved in the sessions. He was shy and was unable to participate well in the movement games.  An extra mile was taken to observe and find the reasons to the boy behaviour.  It was learnt by the facilitators that the boy had some shyness and fears that he needed to overcome. Ally was encouraged by the facilitators to participate in the discussions that had been taking place in the sessions and movement games. Suprisingly on the last day he opened up and participated fully during the sessions exposing his personality and leadership qualities. He impressed the other participants who selected him as the most improved participant since the first day of the sessions. While at the field the boys was observed as being very active unlike before where he had lots of fear.  Allys vision now is to be a great sports personality in future. The changes seen in Ally demonstrate the impact the Kicking AIDS Out sessions and approach has had on the children during East Africa Cup. One can only imagine the impact Kicking AIDS Out concept is having on children and the youth at organizations and in the communities. This approach is being used to create awareness on HIV and Sports.