Edna sin historie
“Playing football is traditionally considered as a male sport”; this is what was running into Edna’s mind when she first heard about the football program at a Bonga center.
“It was not easy in the beginning when I joined football, I joined the team just for fun without knowing that I have a talent on it which I am currently proud of” said Edna Clay Msalasye (20 years)
“I can now play football as boys and I am really enjoying what I am doing because it has become part of me and I have realized that my body is stronger and fit now. Football has enabled me to network with different people in different leagues such as Dar es Salaam Women league, East Africa virtual competitions which all together have increased my self-esteem and enhanced my understanding on various issues such as Poverty, Sexual Reproductive health, Hygiene and Sanitation following the follow ups seminars from the competitions.” Added Edna
Edna is the third born in a family of six children where her father passed away when she was 8 years old. Her father was the provider of the family so after his passing, life changed and she was not able to proceed with further education. She is grateful of the football program and she has decided to make football her career which she hopes to earn income from it and be able to run her life and take care of her family apart from the Vocational skills that she is also engaged in.
It is worth mentioning of the trainings that Edna participated such as Coaches training which enhanced her understanding on how to become a better Coach but also First Aid training which sharpened her skills on how to provide First Aid to her fellow football players while in the pitch.
Edna dreams of becoming the best world football player in the world and she believes through her continuous engagement in the football trainings; her dream will come true.
The football program has really helped to change the mindset of the community and I can hear from their stories in the community meetings on how they have started believing in the capacities that girls hold and how the football program is paving way for the girls’ to achieve their dreams. Said Peter Raphael Chawala; the Ward Executive officer of Kibamba ward.
