Powerhouse sports is a Christian based community sports program aimed at HIV prevention among youth. Started in March 2008, we currently have approximately 170 -200 children ages 9-15 participating four days a week. By using sports as a way to assemble the children, we are then using a multi-faceted approach to achieve our goal of protecting and preventing these young people from new infections.
Role Models- Our coaches serve as role models and mentors who encourage the children to make positive decisions with their lives. Children are encouraged to strive to do well at school, as well as to be models of good behavior in their daily life. Our coaches also talk with many of the parents, and make home visits to encourage the children at home and get feedback from parents on how the child is doing and if more specific role modeling and counseling is needed.
Power Talks- Each time the children assemble we are re-enforcing positive moral values and good decision making among the children. By touching a variety of subjects we touch HIV prevention without information fatigue, and really without the children knowing it is our goal.
Positive Self esteem- By encouraging children when they do well, both in the sport or in their behavior our coaches facilitate an atmosphere of positive self- esteem and personal value. We believe these are key facets to ward off some of the pitfalls that lead to HIV.
Sense of belonging- Our children receive a sense of belonging, as being part of a bigger family and are filled with a desire to comply to positive peer-pressure. They understand the expectations of the program extend not just at the field but into the home and school as well.
Ongoing contact- the children receive ongoing positive contact to continue to be motivated in a positive direction.
Leadership development- The children take on responsibilities and proper leadership by example is encouraged. Students who do not model proper behavior do not hold leadership responsibilities.
Genuine faith- Children are encouraged to follow the Lord and seek to serve him with their lives. Prayer takes place at every meeting, not as a mere formality but as a way to acknowledge who they live for.
Provision of basic needs- Our program has been able to offer the children quite a bit of clothing as well as food on an occasional basis. Besides helping with these needs, we are also trying to insulate the children from turning to negative behavior to fulfill these needs. We will soon be feeding the children freshly cooked well balanced meals once or twice a week.
Involving community- Our program has received visits and encouragement of the BFA
( Botswana Football/ Soccer Assoc. ) who took time to do a short training with our kids as well as take them to the stadium. Also brief words from the Minister of Lands, National Soccer coaches, and other members of society have helped to encourage children they are on the right track.
Expansion needed- HIV is a national crisis. There are so many more children who can be reached. We feel what we are doing is working but help is needed so we can expand our effects.