Volleyball is creating opportunities for young people in the Githurai community in Nairobi, Kenya, through a programme that brings together sport, education and mentorship at Githurai Kimbo Academy. 

The academy provides regular volleyball training for children and young people aged 5 to 18, alongside education scholarships, mentorship, life skills and personal development. The academy currently reaches 216 children, 38 per cent of whom are girls, while 41 receive education scholarships at primary and secondary school levels.

The FIVB delegation, led by FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, alongside CAVB President Bouchra Hajij, saw that impact first-hand during a recent visit. The delegation met young players, coaches and families, visited Mwiki Primary School and Lily Academy, and attended a training session. The visit also included a groundbreaking ceremony for a modern volleyball court that will provide an improved training environment for the academy’s students. 

“What inspired me today was to see these kids engage in our sport, and the power of volleyball to make everyone better. Volleyball has the power to bring people together and we want to share values of volleyball all over the world by making it more accessible. Githurai is a great example of this,” said FIVB President Fabio Azevedo.

The impact of the programme can also be seen in the progress of players who began their volleyball journeys at Githurai Kimbo Academy. 

Brian Kamonde joined the academy at age six and has gone on to become assistant captain of the Kenya national team. The middle blocker also plays for recently crowned Kenyan league champions Kenya Ports Authority. 

“Brian is a brilliant example of what this academy has done. To grow all the way to become a champion of Kenya and be considered one of the best in the country is not an easy task. Sports and education together has the power to make people better,” Azevedo explained. 

“This academy defines my journey and when people see me playing, they see Githurai. This is my story and this is my foundation. Volleyball changed my life,” Kamonde said.

The academy is supported by 26 volunteer coaches, led by Joseph Mwangi and Gideon Njine, with former participants also returning to help develop the next generation. 

Anne Njoki, captain of Githurai Kimbo Queens, began playing at the academy as a young girl. She now works as an IT security analyst at Hemingways Hotels while continuing to support younger players at the academy. 

“It’s really amazing to see the number of girls coming to the court growing every day. I see myself in them because I also started here from scratch as a young girl,” Njoki said. 

Young players at the academy are also combining their development on the court with their education. 

Beni Bagaza, captain of U15 boys’ team, said the academy has helped him improve as a volleyball player, student and leader. 

“This is a very big opportunity. Volleyball has changed my life. I am now a better player being at the Academy, and I have also improved and performed well in class. Being in the Academy has made me understand the game better, be a better leader and it has solidified my dream to become a big player in the future,” Bagaza said.

Swabrina Naliaka, captain of the under-15 girls’ team, receives an education scholarship at Lily Academy and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. 

“I’m grateful to Githurai Kimbo Academy for awarding me a scholarship at Lily Academy. It’s a good school and the quality education has helped me improve my grades. Playing volleyball has also helped me develop as a person because I can now control my emotions better and relate well with other people like I do with my teammates on court. 

“My dream is to do well in school and become a neurosurgeon. In the future, I want to come back to help Githurai Kimbo and the Githurai community which have shaped my life,” Naliaka said.