About

Who Are We

At Cheza Sports Foundation, we use the power of football to transform lives. We focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Nairobi, providing them with more than just sports training. Here’s what we stand for:

  • Empowering Potential: We discover and nurture talented young footballers, equipping them with the skills and guidance to excel on the field.
  • Building Well-Rounded Individuals: We go beyond the pitch. Through mentorship and scholarships, we foster their education and personal growth, equipping them for success in all aspects of life.
  • Breaking Barriers: We believe that financial limitations shouldn’t hold back dreams. We offer scholarships and support to talented players, ensuring everyone has a chance to shine.
  • Community Upliftment: Football is our bridge. We use the sport to create a positive and supportive environment where young people can thrive.

Our Mission

Cheza Sports Foundation empowers disadvantaged youth in Nairobi to reach their full potential through football. We believe football is a powerful tool for transformation, and we use it to equip young people with the skills and resources they need to succeed on and off the field. Our mission is multifaceted and focuses on the following key areas:

  • Socio-economic empowerment: We provide academic scholarships, targeted environmental programs, entrepreneurship training, and ICT skills training to equip youth with the tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods.
  • Alleviating poverty: We collaborate with various developmental agencies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and alleviate extreme poverty by 2030.
  • Community support: We address immediate needs through initiatives like online food donation appeals to support families facing hunger.
  • Youth development: We prioritize league facilitation for Chezasports FC to ensure their participation and growth within the football league.
  • Volunteerism: We foster a culture of volunteerism and leverage the skills and dedication of our volunteers to achieve our goals.
  • Community ownership: We encourage community participation in planning, resource mobilization, and implementation of youth empowerment initiatives.

Our mission is guided by the following principles:

  • Sustainability: We focus on developing long-term solutions that empower youth to achieve lasting success.
  • Collaboration: We work alongside the community, Cheza Sports FC, Cheza Sports Limited among other developmental agencies to maximize our impact.
  • Needs-based approach: We identify and address the most pressing needs of the youth in the Mukuru Fuata Nyayo Slum settlement.
  • Youth leadership: We cultivate leadership skills and empower young people to take ownership of their own development.

Our Vision

Cheza Sports Foundation envisions a hopeful future for disadvantaged youth in Nairobi’s Mukuru Fuata Nyayo slum settlement. We see young people blossoming into their full potential, unconstrained by socio-economic limitations. Football serves as our springboard, a powerful tool to propel them towards a brighter tomorrow.

Empowerment Through Sports:

Our vision extends far beyond the playing field. We believe that football is a microcosm of life, fostering valuable skills that transcend the game. Through sports, young people develop:

  • Resilience: The unwavering spirit honed on the field equips them to navigate life’s challenges.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative efforts on the pitch translate into effective communication and cooperation in various aspects of life.
  • Discipline: The dedication required for football success translates into self-control and perseverance in academic pursuits and future endeavors.
  • Leadership: We envision future leaders emerging from our ranks, individuals who inspire and guide their peers on and off the field.

Holistic Transformation:

Our vision encompasses a holistic transformation, encompassing not just athletic prowess but academic excellence, economic opportunity, and well-being. We strive to achieve this by:

  • Academic Scholarships: Breaking down financial barriers to education, we aim to empower youth to excel in academics.
  • Entrepreneurship and ICT Skills Training: Equipping young people with the tools to navigate the changing job market and pursue sustainable livelihoods.
  • Environmental Programs: Instilling a sense of environmental stewardship, promoting a clean and healthy community.

Community Upliftment:

Our vision extends beyond individual success. We envision a thriving Mukuru Fuata Nyayo community, empowered by the collective potential of its youth. We see Cheza Sports Foundation as a catalyst for positive change, working hand-in-hand with:

  • Developmental Agencies: Aligning our efforts with existing initiatives to amplify the impact and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Local Businesses: Fostering partnerships with local businesses to create employment opportunities and a vibrant economic ecosystem.
  • Community Leaders: Working collaboratively with community leaders to ensure our programs cater to the most pressing needs.

Sustainability and Growth:

Our vision is one of long-term sustainability. We aim to build a robust organization, fueled by:

  • Active Members and Volunteers: A passionate and dedicated community forms the backbone of our work.
  • Resource Mobilization: Diversifying our funding streams ensures the longevity of our programs.
  • Effective Partnerships: Strategic collaborations with local and international organizations multiply our impact.
 

Cheza Sports Foundation aspires to be a beacon of hope for Nairobi’s youth. We envision a future where disadvantaged circumstances no longer dictate one’s destiny. Through the transformative power of sports, education, and community support, we see young people empowered to reach their full potential and become agents of positive change in their community and beyond.

Our Approach

We implement the “sports for development” concept, offering a range of programs beyond just league facilitation for Chezasports FC. These programs include:

  • Academic Scholarships: We provide financial assistance to deserving students for their secondary education.
  • Targeted Interventions: We offer programs focused on environmental awareness, entrepreneurship skills development, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training.
  • Community Development: We collaborate with various agencies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and alleviate extreme poverty by 2030.

Challenges and Achievements:

Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheza Sports Foundation has made significant progress:

  • Online Fundraising: Through a vibrant online community and volunteer network, we facilitated a successful fundraising campaign that ensured Cheza Sports FC participated in all their league matches.
  • Educational Support: We mobilized resources to award academic scholarships to 10 deserving secondary school students.
  • Food Security: We addressed immediate hunger needs within the community by organizing online food donation appeals, reaching a substantial number of vulnerable families.
  • Membership Growth: Our membership has grown from 30 individuals to over 100 active members, including players, officials, and community supporters.
  • Volunteer Network: We have a dedicated volunteer force of 15 individuals, along with the 7 Foundation management committee members.