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Her World, Her Rules campaign excites girls in Rubanda
Fuba Women’s Commissioner Racheal Ainamasiko Atuhaire (L) hands over a certificate. PHOTOS/COURTESY
What you need to know:
The camp was aimed at introducing basketball skills to a target group of over 60 girls between the ages of 6-16 years and impart the skills that will boost their confidence and empower them to challenge gender inequality in the community.
St. Agatha Girls School Kakore in Rubanda District has a population of over 700 students in Ordinary and Advanced Levels.
But it is easy to tell that not many, if any, of the girls there had come close to the game of basketball before Saturday when the Fuba Women’s commission visited to advance the Her World, Her Rules campaign by Fiba.
The campaign is Fiba’s most recognized women’s initiative stemming from the strategic objective to increase participation of women in the sport.
The camp was aimed at introducing basketball skills to a target group of over 60 girls between the ages of 6-16 years and impart the skills that will boost their confidence and empower them to challenge gender inequality in the community.
Upon arrival at the school, there is no sign of a basketball court or balls. Girls are clad in track suits and netball jerseys.
Participants were overjoyed.
Fuba Women’s Commissioner Racheal Ainamasiko Atuhaire had arrived with a team of coaches and mentors to implement the program, with a goal of introducing more girls into the game.
No court? No problem. No hoops? No problem. The team of coaches, led by Silverbacks guard Tonny Drileba and KCCA Leopards star Maureen Amoding, ensured there was basketball taught to the young ones.
Right in the football and netball field, over 100 girls were introduced to the game through learning basic skills like passing, dribbling and shooting.
Netball goalposts were used as hoops and the group split into four for the morning session.
“We knew there was no basketball court here but wanted to start something. This will, hopefully, encourage the school to get the court and give these young girls a chance to play,” Ainamasiko said.
“It was a wonderful day and the girls enjoyed what Fiba has to offer and they hope to see us here more,” she added.
Whereas the event was held at St. Agatha, there was participation of participants from four other schools. Bubare SS, St. John’s SS, Nyamuhanga H/S and St. Andrews SS all had students taking part in the campaign.
The long list of coaches also had JT Lady Jaguars’ forward Sarah Ageno, KCCA’s Ruth Atuhaire, Albert Aciko, Grace Kusaba, Joan Irama and Vincent Etyang.
Sarah Ageno teaches girls the basics.
From the playground, campers were taken through other aspects of life, including talks about staying in school, menstrual hygiene, first aid among others.
The day ended with Ainamasiko handing basketball equipment to all participating schools and game gear like shoes and uniforms to ensure continued participation.
Sanitary pads and washing soap are some of the other items that were distributed on the day. Certificates were also awarded to all participants.
