Play Handball

12/11/2024

🌍✨ Kenya Outreach Update 🇰🇪🤾🏽‍♀️🤾🏿‍♂️

The energy is contagious! 💥 Our pilot project in Nkubu, Meru County, is making great progress, and we couldn’t be prouder! Thanks to our amazing partnership with Rotary Nkubu and the support of Rotary Eschborn, we’re making a real impact in the lives of local children. 🙌

💪 Each week, around 61 kids from Mck Ntemwene Primary, CCM Ntonyero Primary, and Kigane Primary School are learning key handball skills like passing, catching, and dribbling, while also building teamwork and fitness. The children’s progress and growing confidence have been inspiring for everyone involved. As Newton, our coach on the ground, says, “It’s been rewarding to see the improvement in their skills and the positive energy they bring to each session.”

🚀 What’s next? We’re diving into shooting techniques, three-stepping, one-on-one defense, and tactical plays—plus some friendly matches to keep the excitement soaring! 🎯💫

Stay tuned as we continue to empower, inspire, and create change through the power of sport! 🎉

06/11/2024

✨NEWS - Our latest newsletter is here and has lots of exciting news from the past months!

💚 First up, find out more about Brian's inspiring journey as he begins his international coaching course in Leipzig. In an exciting interview, he talks about his vision for advancing the sport of handball in Africa and what he is learning in Germany.
🤍 Next, we look back at the incredible success of the two Supercups in Tanzania and Kenya! They were vibrant events that brought together passionate players and coaches at their finest! 🏆
🧡 And finally, we are excited to announce a new opportunity: Short-term volunteering is now available through CoachAbroad.de 🌍 so if you're interested, this is your chance to do a volunteer service at PLAY HANDBALL and our partners.

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Interested in finding out more? Read the full newsletter via the link in our bio or right here. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an update!

🇬🇧 News in Eng: https://mailchi.mp/70034d57cc28/playhandball-news-4-21515002
🇩🇪 News in Ger: https://mailchi.mp/f22da4f44f2b/newsletter-play-handball-4-21515003

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04/11/2024

🇰🇪 Update from our volunteers in Kenya 🧡

Our amazing volunteers - Cecilia, Ella, Jonas, Robin, Julia, and Lisa - have been in Kenya for two months, and they’re truly feeling at home! Their host families have given them such a warm welcome, making their experience unforgettable.

After six weeks of training 🤾‍♀️🤾‍♂️, they’re already witnessing fantastic progress with the kids. In Juja, they even get the chance to train with an older handball team and join in on games! Meanwhile, in Buruburu, Cecilia and Ella are coaching children from the slums, who are developing their skills so well that they might soon compete internationally. Jonas and Robin are making waves in Machakos, introducing handball to even more young players. 💪

For many of these kids, handball provides a much-needed escape from their challenging everyday lives, fostering joy and teamwork.

Sending warm wishes from Kenya! We can’t wait to share more updates as the school holidays kick off! ✨

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🌍 Interested in volunteering with us? 🌟 All our handball programmes and partners are now featured on COACH ABROAD at www.coachabroad.de. Explore our projects or drop us an email at ✉️ [email protected]! For general inquiries, feel free to reach out to [email protected].

If you’re looking to commit for a whole year, check out the programme through our partner !

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02/11/2024

✨ On , we celebrate the strength, dreams, and power of every child! 🌟 All children deserve a safe space to learn, grow and simply be themselves. Working with children is a daily reminder of the potential they have when given the opportunity to play, learn and grow. Through sport, we are not just teaching skills - we are empowering the next generation to believe in themselves, work as a team and overcome challenges on and off the pitch. Let's continue to create spaces where every child can grow and develop and follow their dreams. 🏆 🤾🏽‍♀️

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01/11/2024

October Flashback Snapshot 🌍✨ What an exciting and action-packed month it was!

🇩🇪 While Brian immersed himself in his coaching course in Leipzig, he gained valuable insights into handball training techniques and explored all that the city had to offer.
🇰🇪 Meanwhile, our volunteers in Kenya settled in well, actively engaging with schools as the holidays approached. The girls’ team from kidsbeyondlimit competed in the Nairobi league and performed very well as the youngest team—well done!
🇿🇦 In South Africa, we celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child 2024 in Johannesburg, but our volunteers were also deeply involved in school activities, coaching handball and promoting teamwork and solidarity with their students. They even showcased their amazing work to a delegation from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Interior and Sport during a visit to St. Paul’s Primary School. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate our shared passion for sport and education 🇿🇦 🤝 🇩🇪.

Moments like these remind us of the power of sport to bring people together. We can't wait to see what November has in store! 🥳

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28/10/2024

🌟 An Inspiring Visit at PLAY HANDBALL in South Africa! 🇿🇦🤝🇩🇪

On Friday, we welcomed Ms. Daniela Behrens, the Lower Saxony Minister of Interior and Sport, along with a delegation from Germany, at our partner school, St. Paul’s in Bo-Kaap. A huge thank you to Principal Mlungwa for her warm hospitality and for sharing insights about the South African school system, and to Mr. Fredericks, our sports teacher, for the school tour!

The highlight was the lesson led by our amazing volunteers Laurids and Zoe on the sports field. Some delegation members couldn’t resist jumping into a match with the kids—it was a blast! The energy was fantastic, and we loved seeing the delegation’s enthusiasm for our activities! 🤾🏽⚽🤾🏽‍♀️

We’re committed to developing handball in schools while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, empowering young people through sport in South Africa! 💪🏽🌍

The minister was accompanied not only by representatives of the sports sector of the Lower Saxony State Sports Association, but also by the state police president, Mr Axel Brockmann, and the mayors of the city of Oldenburg, Mr Jürgen Krogmann, and the city of Braunschweig, Dr Thorsten Kornblum.

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22/10/2024

Update South Africa 🇿🇦 - The 4th. school term has started and our volunteers - Salome, Liv, Mathis, Laurids and Zoe - are back in the schools coaching children in handball and small games. The focus is not to develop the best athletes, but to ensure that everyone has fun, is involved and stays motivated while learning more about handball. 💪

And for the kids who really are excited about handball 🤾‍♀️🤾‍♂️our volunteers offer extra-curricular activities in the afternoon🏫

While the kids learn more about handball our young coaches from Germany learn more about coaching, but especially more about life in a different country and the little cultural differences. 🎉 It's an exciting time for both the kids and the volunteers.

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If you are interested in volunteering with us in South Africa 🇿🇦 or in Kenya 🇰🇪 just drop us an email [email protected] or for the weltwärts - Der entwicklungspolitische Freiwilligendienst programme reach out to our partner KulturLife .

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18/10/2024

Update Brian in Leipzig 🇰🇪 🇩🇪 Our young coach from Kenya, who is currently attending the international coaching course for handball coaches at the University of Leipzig, tells us about his experiences not only with the handball programme, but also with life in Germany:

🧡 How is the handball training? 🤾🏽
"It has been an incredible experience so far! The handball program here is exceptional and focuses not only on drills and techniques, but also on the overall development of the children through the sport. It really deepening my understanding of how sport can really shape young people's lives. I am learning to create a positive and fun environment for young athletes, which will be absolutely priceless when I return to Kenya to help them boost their confidence and love for the game. It's not just about the sport, but also about helping to shape their lives beyond the pitch."

🤍 And how do you like German food?🍴
"I have to admit that I really miss Ugali 🍚 (a kind of porridge made from maize flour) and Nyama Choma (grilled meat). German food is great kebab is my favorite, but nothing beats a hot plate of ugali🍽️"

💚 How do you enjoy life in Leipzig? 🏙️
"The city itself was also full of surprises: cobbled streets, lush green parks 🌳 and hidden cafés on every corner. And the culture? It's everywhere! From street performances to concerts 🎶 and art galleries 🎭 . There's always something going on."

🧡 What about the tram? 🚃
"They are so peaceful and quiet compared to the chaotic, colorful matatus in Nairobi. The first time I rode one, I didn't know what I was going to do without the loud music and the hustle and bustle!" (Musik Icon)

In short, I'm having a lot of fun! I'm learning how to coach young handball players, getting used to the tram (I still miss the matatus though!) and exploring this amazing city. Sure, I miss home, especially the food, but Leipzig has become a second home in the last few weeks.

I can't wait to bring all this experience and knowledge back to Kenya!🚀💪🏾

16/10/2024

🎉 Cheers to the girl child! 🚺
The theme for International Day of the Girl Child 2024 was ‘The Girl's Vision for the Future’.

Play Handball was invited by ‘Impact drivers’ to take part in the launch of the ShePowHer menstrual cup campaign on 11 October. An inspiring event that also serves an important cause: this initiative is an important step towards tackling menstrual poverty and improving menstrual dignity for underprivileged adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. 83% of South African girls continue to not go to school because they do not have access to menstrual hygiene products.

One way to empower girls and women is to give them the freedom to move every day of the month. But many girls and women are not as free as others. The menstrual cycle is not only a taboo subject in many societies, but also a monthly hurdle for many women and girls, especially in disadvantaged environments. Menstrual poverty not only forces girls to miss school and fall behind in classes, but also to stay away from sports or other social or cultural events.

‘I was delighted to be part of this day and to give some young women confidence through handball. Sport is a powerful tool, it gives self-confidence, creates a sense of togetherness and a safe place to discuss sensitive topics such as mentruation.’ 💪

Returning to this year's theme: Girls' visions for the future. Sport can empower girls and give them the strength, commitment and perseverance to pursue their dreams. And sport not only improves physical fitness, but also mental health and promotes emotional and social development. 🧡💚🤍


🤝 Thank you for inviting us to participate in this day at the Umnotho for Empowerment Centre in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg: Impact Drivers, Baithudi Mampane Foundation, HerPath Network.

04/10/2024

It's more than just a symbol - it's a reminder to keep our environment clean and to think twice about waste: Our Eco Trophy! 🏆✨ ♻️

Not all waste is recyclable, but that doesn't mean it's worthless! With limited resources, it's important to get creative and find value in what we normally consider waste 🚯. The message is simple: REUSE, RECYCLE, REDUCE ♻️.

🧡 How can we REUSE waste and give it a second life? The non-recyclable plastic waste ends up in a bottle, becomes an Ecobrick and finally our Eco-trophy - a symbol of turning waste into something valuable.

🤍 The RECYCLABLE waste? It doesn't belong in the eco trophy. Instead, it becomes an educational tool to help us understand the difference between recyclable and non-recyclable plastic, and how to be more responsible with the different types of waste.

💚 And last but not least: REDUCE it. Waste, especially plastic waste, doesn't just disappear. It stays in circulation for a long time and pollutes our environment. Just as a trophy is a prize that stays with us forever, plastic waste will stay with us if we don't do something about it.

Let's think twice about the choices we make and work together to reduce waste 💪 🌍.



We also work with partners at our Supercups to reduce waste: Waste-ED dooiy

01/10/2024

✨ Snapshot of our September - it was exciting again!

🧡 While we welcomed our new volunteers - Cecilia, Ella, Julia, Lisa, Robin and Jonas - in Kenya 🇰🇪, our volunteers in South Africa 🇿🇦 - Liv, Salome, Laurids, Mathis and Zoe - were settling into their communities and new homes and gaining their first experiences on the field.

🤍 At the same time, our Kenyan junior coach Brian Kithinji travelled to Leipzig, Germany 🇰🇪 ✈️ 🇩🇪 to attend the International Coaching Course for Handball Coaches at the University of Leipzig. 💪🏾

💚 We also launched our new pilot project in Meru County in Kenya in partnership with Rotary to bring handball to even more communities and schools.

And what's next? Stay tuned we'll keep you informed.
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.coolest.coach .1006 .strl .us .schlr

27/09/2024

Kenya outreach 🤾🏽🇰🇪🤾🏿‍♀️: We are excited to announce that after a year of preparation, our pilot project in Nkubu, Meru County has officially kicked off! 💚🧡🤍
In partnership with Rotary Nkubu and with support from Rotary Eschborn ( ) this three-month pilot project will focus on developing handball programs at three local Junior Secondary schools. 🏫Our coordinator Newton will lead the project with training sessions, and working closely with teachers, schools and partners.

🥅 The goal of the pilot is to gauge the interest and feasibility of a long-term humanitarian initiative using handball as a community and school development tool in the region

📝 So far we have made great progress! Our milestones:
1. We have successfully selected and introduced our local coordinator Newton to Rotary Nkubu
2. Officially launched the project in Nkubu
3. Given out handball equipment to the three pilot schools
4. Started training sessions with the students

⏳What's next on the program? We will offer training for teachers, continue the weekly activities and organize hopefully an exciting final tournament! We can't wait to see where the journey takes us.

24/09/2024

The helpers behind the scenes and on the sidelines are the quiet champions of PLAY HANDBALL in Kenya. Tournaments like the PLAY HANDBALL Supercup would not be possible without their dedication and hard work - organising catering, inviting teams, coordinating team travel and logistics, setting up court facilities, procuring trophies and medals, fundraising, marking the court and cleaning up after the tournament.

In August, more than 40 people from our team, partners, families and friends came to Buruburu to help with the Supercup. It was a great team effort combined with passion for handball and positive energy that made this day possible and unforgettable for the young players! 💪

Asante sana - thank you to our youth coaches Panfied (.s), Pauline (), Brian (), our amazing volunteers Seb (.in.kenia) and Jule () and the support of our partner organisations Pendo Amani (Pendo Amani) in Juja and "Kids Beyond Limits" in Korogosho. A big shout out to all the volunteers from the Machakos project site, the students from Strathmore University and last but not least our incredible team in Kenya - Carol (Carol Nange) and Victor (Victor Siero)- without them none of this would be possible. 🙏

We are so grateful for your passion and commitment and look forward to many more tournaments and moments like this together!

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20/09/2024

🇰🇪 🇩🇪 Brian in Leipzig at the International Coaching Course for Handball Coaches. 🧡🤍💚

My name is Brian Kithinji, a young Play Handball coach from Kenya and a professional player in the Kenyan national handball team 🇰🇪. I can say that PLAY HANDBALL has fuelled my energy and passion for the game in many ways. I have been involved in projects around Machakos and Buruburu to help develop young talents and also guide them on the environment 🌍.

Currently I have the opportunity to attend the International Coaching Course (ITK Internationaler Trainerkurs Leipzig) for handball coaches in Leipzig. Last week and part of this week was an introduction to the course. We studied sports medicine, didactics, handball theory and physical training. We also have strength and conditioning and ABTW. This week we are going to do a mini training at the Leipzig Handball Club starting on Thursday.

I am grateful to PLAY HANDBALL for helping me realise my dream of studying in Leipzig to become a better coach 🙏🏾. My vision is to give back to Play Handball's projects, not only in Kenya but all over Africa. I believe that the knowledge I will gain will be enough to promote handball at grassroots level.

I am ready, energetic and excited to have started this journey at such a young age. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity and I can't wait to see where this journey will take me! 🚀💪🏾

18/09/2024

Hello from Kenya! 🇰🇪 We are delighted to welcome our new volunteers - Cecilia, Ella, Julia, Lisa, Robin and Jonas - who have joined the PLAY HANDBALL team. Arriving on the 10th of September, they were warmly welcomed by Carol and Victor and spent their first week in Nairobi for orientation. During this time they learned about Kenyan culture and history and familiarised themselves with their new surroundings.

The volunteers have already had the opportunity to explore different sides of Kenya, from walking through the slums of Nairobi to viewing the wealthier areas of the city from a tower. These experiences have given them valuable insights into the different living conditions and challenges in the country.

During the orientation, the volunteers also met the local trainers and partners they will be working with over the coming year. Over the course of the weekend, they all settled in with their host families, tried local food and some even attended Sunday services with their hosts.

This week the volunteers started their first handball sessions and have already worked with almost 100 children - an intense but rewarding experience! Our volunteers are now spread across several communities: Jonas and Robin are in Machakos, Ella and Cecilia are in Buruburu supporting Kids Beyond Limit in Korogocho, and Lisa and Julia are in Juja with Pendo Amani

We are excited to see how they develop, work with their partners and coaches, and contribute to PLAY HANDBALL in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates from Kenya!
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.coolest.coach

16/09/2024

🏅 Every child was a champion at the Supercup in Kenya last month and was honoured with their own medal! 🧡🤍💚
For many it was the first time they had received a medal and they were very proud of it. You could really see how much it meant to them. It wasn't just about winning a game, it was about feeling recognised and appreciated for their efforts. For some, it was a moment that gave them a new sense of pride and motivation. ✨

This experience will not only provide the players with wonderful memories, but hopefully a sense of confidence and belief in what they can achieve in the future. Sometimes a simple medal can be a reminder to keep working hard and dreaming big. 💪✨

What does a medal mean to you? 🏆 We'd love to hear your stories. When did you get your first medal and how did it make you feel? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

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13/09/2024

✨ NEWS - Our newsletter is out and brings you some fantastic news from the last month!

💚 First up, we introduce our new volunteers who have just arrived in South Africa. Find out who they are and hear about their first impressions as they begin their work and journey.
🤍 The other exciting news is that our “Handball in Schools” training courses were a great success with 70 enthusiastic teachers. It's amazing to see how handball in schools is making a difference and inspiring teachers! 👩‍🏫
🧡 We are also looking at the connection between handball and sustainable development. Have you ever wondered how our sport can help create a better future? Read our newsletter to find out how we use handball to promote development and improve educational opportunities. ♻️

Interested in more? Read the full newsletter via the link in our bio or here. And don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here to stay up to date!

News in Eng: https://mailchi.mp/1f1c393eb234/playhandball-news-4-21513359

News in Ger: https://mailchi.mp/5b93ca08b7cc/newsletter-play-handball-4-21513360

Liebe/r Leser/in der PLAY HANDBALL News,  die letzten Monate haben wir viel im Bereich der Fortbildungen für Handball, Handball in Schulen und im Bereich Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung (BNE) bewegen können: Unsere Weltwärts-Freiwilligen haben an diversen Vorbereitungsseminaren für ihren...

11/09/2024

🏆 🇹🇿 We're super excited to announce that our first Handball Supercup ‘UMOJA NI NGUVU’, organised in collaboration with the ‘Go for Goals Sports Center’, was a great success. 🎉 From 30 August to 1 September 2024, a total of 426 players, coaches and supporters created an inspiring atmosphere on the open fields at Kongowe Mzinga in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The event brought athletes of all ages together for an unforgettable competition under the motto ‘Umoja ni nguvu’, which means strong together! But it wasn't just about the games. We also talked about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of protecting the environment. 🌍 A big thank you to the team in Tanzania and also to our volunteer Lina for making this happen! 💪

🤾🏽‍♀️ 🤾🏽 Teams & Players:
• 8 primary school teams (U14)
• 5 secondary school teams (U17)
• 4 adult teams from Dar es Salaam

Moshi Ally Kassim, Co-Founder of ""Go for Goals Sports Center"", shared, ""The tournament was a great success, bringing together teams of all ages in one place. We received positive feedback from various stakeholders, including the Handball Association of Dar es Salaam and Pwani, who requested that the tournament becomes an ongoing event and suggested collaboration with these associations.""

A huge thank you to all participants, volunteers, and supporters for making this event unforgetable! We look forward to many more handball tournaments and other mutual projects with our partner ‘Go For Goals Sportcentre’.

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