Photos: Soccer girls in Kampala: photo_09a

Girls unfold the soccer cage made of plastic water pipes at the end of a game during the {quote}Women take the Lead{quote} festival, a soccer event for Congolese refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.Although Uganda is welcoming and host one of the largest population of refugees in the world, the life of refugees in Kampala, the capital, and the surrounding areas is very difficult, at best. Especially for youth, who have difficulties to access education because of financial reasons, and language barriers. In the slump of Nsambya, Soccer without Borders, an organization where most of the staff are also refugees, offer education and soccer training for these youths, helping them building strength and dealing with trauma. A special emphasis is given to empowering young women through that sport, when parents are often reluctant to let their girls play soccer. They fear they might become too masculine and would rather have their girls stay and help at home.

Girls unfold the soccer cage made of plastic water pipes at the end of a game during the "Women take the Lead" festival, a soccer event for Congolese refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda.

Although Uganda is welcoming and host one of the largest population of refugees in the world, the life of refugees in Kampala, the capital, and the surrounding areas is very difficult, at best. Especially for youth, who have difficulties to access education because of financial reasons, and language barriers. In the slump of Nsambya, Soccer without Borders, an organization where most of the staff are also refugees, offer education and soccer training for these youths, helping them building strength and dealing with trauma. A special emphasis is given to empowering young women through that sport, when parents are often reluctant to let their girls play soccer. They fear they might become too masculine and would rather have their girls stay and help at home.