"Before joining YALI Sport Africa’s Sport for Development program, I lacked confidence and had limited opportunities to engage with my community. Growing up in a marginalized neighborhood in Cameroon, I struggled to find a safe space where I could express myself and build my skills. Through structured sports activities, I not only developed leadership and teamwork abilities but also gained essential life skills that have helped me in my education and personal growth. Today, I mentor young girls in my community, encouraging them to use sports as a tool for empowerment and change. YALI Sport Africa transformed my life, and I am forever grateful."
Sport for Development Program – Amina, 19, Cameroon
"As a refugee from the Central African Republic, I faced enormous challenges integrating into my new community in Bertoua, Cameroon. Language barriers, cultural differences, and social exclusion made daily life difficult. Then I discovered YALI Sport Africa’s YALI Weekend event, where football was used to bring together youth from different backgrounds. Playing alongside my host community, I felt a sense of belonging for the first time. The initiative didn’t just help me make friends—it taught me about unity, resilience, and peacebuilding. Thanks to YALI Sport Africa, I now see sport as a bridge that connects people beyond borders."
YALI Weekend Bertoua– Mustapha, 22, Central African Republic
"As an internally displaced adolescent girl, my future felt uncertain. My family lost everything, and continuing my education seemed impossible. When I joined the YALI Ubuntu initiative, I gained access to skills training and mentorship that changed my perspective on life. This program taught me life skills, financial management, and career planning, which have greatly improved my employability prospects. More importantly, I found a supportive community that believes in my potential. Today, I am confident about my future, and I dream of becoming an entrepreneur to support other displaced girls like me. YALI Sport Africa gave me hope and the tools to rebuild my life."
YALI Ubuntu Initiative – Mary, 17, Cameroon
Planting Seeds of Change: Empowering Zambian Youth Through Sports and Sustainability
As the YALI Sports Africa National Coordinator for Zambia, I strive to create opportunities that empower youth through sports. Recently, I had the privilege of joining the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) President Alfred Foloko in a tree-planting event celebrating the OlympAfrica Youth Empowerment through Sport (O! Yes) program.
We gathered at the Regional International Judo Training Centre at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre in Lusaka. We planted several trees outside the facility with the NOCZ President, OYDC CEO Dr. Fredrick Chitangala, and OlympAfrica Centre Manager Tinyiko Kamanga. This activity highlighted the role of sports in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
I was honored to participate in this meaningful initiative sponsored by the Olympafrica Foundation and the International Olympic Committee. As a representative of the YALI Sports Africa movement, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with sports leaders in Zambia.
Moments like the O! Yes tree planting event reinforce my commitment to uplifting youth through sports. With supportive leaders like President Foloko, I’m optimistic about YALI Sports Africa’s future in Zambia. Our collective efforts can help young people reach their full potential.
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Felix Munyika is a digital communications professional harnessing the power of sport for social good. Currently based in Lusaka, Zambia, he serves as Media and Communications Officer for the National Olympic Committee of Zambia.
In this role, Felix promotes Zambian athletes’ participation across high-profile international multi-sport competitions including the Olympic, Commonwealth, and African Games. His expertise in digital strategy and social media enables impactful storytelling and awareness campaigns.
A lifelong sports enthusiast raised in Ndola, Felix champions initiatives leveraging sport to address real-world challenges like climate change. By amplifying youth voices and catalyzing grassroots engagement via digital channels, he creates positive change through sport.
Felix is passionate about intersecting digital communications, sports for development, and youth empowerment. As a purpose-driven professional, he aims to inspire the next generation of Zambian leaders and build a more equitable, sustainable future.
AYEAH Mark Yonghabi
JUDO4KIDS Bootcamp
“Looking at the society of today, we notice a drop in discipline and a rise in drug abuse leading to increased violence amongst youths. This violence can be seen to multiply in society and on school campuses and at times ending in the death of students and teachers alike.
Thanks to the discipline and moral code of judo, we can inscribe into the young ones a certain number of virtues that help reduce drug abuse and thus the level of violence in society as a whole and on campuses in particular.
During the academic year 2022 – 2023, we trained 156 children between the ages of 3 – 21 years in our judo clubs. It is worth noting that 26 out of the 156 children were former drug addicts who were converted thanks to the discipline and virtues of judo. Also, there was an overall improvement in the academic performance of these children”. AYEAH Mark