2024 by the numbers

502

kids          

7,488

25% girls

96 sessions

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coaching hours

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The benefits of sports for young people are well established, and at Sasa Sport, we see them in action every day. Here are some of the proven ways programmes like ours support kids to thrive:

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A sad face surrounded by question marks and X's, indicating confusion or uncertainty.

More confidence
& self-esteem

Less stress, anxiety
& depression

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Better physical health
& fitness

Stronger bonds with
family & friends

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Healthier body
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Better leadership
skills

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Line drawing of a light bulb with a heart inside, surrounded by rays of light.

Lower school
dropout rates

Sharper thinking
& learning

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Icon of three people standing side by side.

Lower risk of crime
& drug use

Stronger teamwork
& social skills

Data sources: Sasa Sport Impact Survey; President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board; Project Play, Aspen Institute; Youth Sport Trust.

  • When I came here I felt I had been depressed before, and now the things of depression are no longer my struggle. I am open to others around me. They have helped me and taken me out of isolation.

    Manzi, 15-year-old boy

  • When I’m playing football I feel like I am free. So because of that I have fellowship with others. It makes me happy. When I go home, the love that I found here I share to others.

    Manzi, 15-year-old boy

  • I feel happy [at Sasa]. I walk home full of joy and relaxed in my mind.

    Keza, 14-year-old girl

  • There's no favouritism. They treat us the same way and love us the same way.

    Ineza, 14-year-old girl

  • They speak kindly to us without any anxiety or pressure, and they coach us well.

    Mugisha, 14-year-old boy

  • This is a work that is integral, that requires a lot of courage, dedication, and courage. Not a lot of people are capable or able to do this. So I would like to thank you. I would like to thank you and encourage you to continue to empower the children.

    Innocent, father to a 7-year-old boy

  • I think it's really great, it's amazing. We're very happy about it. To help our youth like this, and change their behaviours, and our children socialise and get to know each other, it's really good, it's really amazing. We're happy about it. We're very happy about it.

    Joseph, father to a 14-year-old girl

  • Sasa has provided a nurturing environment where my child has not only excelled academically but also developed valuable social skills. The supportive staff has played a significant role in fostering my child's confidence. It feels like a community where every child is valued and encouraged to thrive.

    Martin Hagenimana, Director of G.S. Gasaka Secondary School

  • My child particularly enjoys the interactive learning experiences and the variety of extracurricular activities offered. These opportunities have ignited a passion for learning that I truly appreciate. I am grateful for the dedication of the Sasa team and the positive impact they have on the students.

    Martin Hagenimana, Director of G.S. Gasaka Secondary School

Sustainable Development Goals

Our work contributes to four of the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Icon of a steaming bowl representing goal 2 Zero Hunger from the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Green background with white text that reads '3 Good Health and Well-Being' and an illustration of a heartbeat line with a heart
Icon of a water glass with a droplet and arrow, representing clean water and sanitation, with the text '6 Clean Water and Sanitation'.
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Rwanda’s Vision 2050

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Our goals are shaped by Rwanda’s Vision 2050,
supporting national development priorities