Currently operating in Southern Africa, Mozambique, Favela United combines elite football development, innovative educational provision and a tailored character development programme to create the leaders of tomorrow. Through our Football Academy in Maputo City, our youth empowerment NGO in Mozambique and our foundation in the Netherlands, we are building a global movement for excellence and change that will impact youth around the African Continent. Over the past 10 years Favela United reached and impacted over 50.000 vulnerable young people with the power of sports throughout Mozambique and Brazil.
Through our high quality sports, education and character development program, we open opportunities to world class professional pathways; enabling young people to change their reality, become impactful leaders and give back to their communities. We provide them with the skills, knowledge and tools so that they can create a better future for themselves and their community.
Mozambique remains one of the poorest countries in the world and income distribution remains highly unequal. This contrast is particularly stark when traveling from the centre to the Bairros (the slums) in Maputo. People struggle to cover even their most basic needs, such as running water, proper sanitation and regular access to food. The current economic crisis has further exacerbated the situation.
Life is hard and opportunities are limited in the bairro’s of Mozambique, even more so for children. Formal and long-term employment is very hard to come by and many people are forced to earn a living from whatever opportunity presents itself. Parents find it difficult to provide for their children and give them opportunities to flourish. Lack of education further limits their opportunities. In the communities of Maputo, like bairro da Polana Caniço, many children grow up around (domestic) violence. Girls face even greater obstacles – the number of girls attending elementary school drops with each higher grade. Children from the Bairro often suffer from marginalisation and stigmatisation due to their perceived inferiority within society.
THE “FOOTBALL FOR CHANGE” GAME PLAN
FAVELA UNITED
Inspires and creates change makers among youth
from the communities we work in.
LIFE CAPTAINS PROGRAM
Use football as a learning tool to change young lives
Marginalized young people
Gain new life skills, knowledge and opportunities
to become champions of their own destiny.
COVID-19: Working with and for young people
Sports
We make sure that every young person’s potential is fulfilled and talent is unlocked, with the power of Sports. Participation in sport improves children’s educational attainment and skills development including empowerment, leadership and self-esteem – contributing to their overall well-being and future prospects. we adapt our sports activities to the rules of the covid19 restrictions from the government.
Education
Ensure that vulnerable adolescents and youth are included and have access to quality education and lifesaving information, also when schools are closed.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Ensure that young people have access to a water supply for drinking and personal hygiene, sanitation services, handwashing facilities with soap, and menstrual health management (MHM) supplies to maintain their health and well-being and prevent the spread of infection.
Health
Ensure that COVID-19 response plans are sensitive to adolescent and youth-specific health-care needs, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and psychosocial support. As well as for Food aid support for all the families of the participating children in the project.
Protection
Ensure the protection of young people in all COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures.
