In Kwale County, Kenya, sports have become a powerful tool to tackle one of the community’s most pressing challenges: drug and substance abuse among youth. Through ISA’s training, young leaders like Alice Loiton, Director of the Green Minds Youth initiative supported by Samba Youth Agenda, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to turn the game into a platform for education and empowerment.

Alice came in as a representative from Samba Youth Trust in the capacity building workshop. She developed a 14-week Sports for Development model focused on drugs and substance abuse. Piloted at Bowa Primary School, the program combines sports sessions with guided reflections, helping young people build confidence, teamwork and awareness of the dangers of drugs.

Within a few months, over 300 learners participated, showing powerful changes: improved self-expression, stronger peer interaction, and a clear understanding that their focus should be on education and growth. This project demonstrates how sports align with Good Health & Well-being (SDG3) and Quality Education (SDG4), creating safe spaces where young people gain both physical strength and life skills. It also showcases the ripple effect of capacity building: Alice has trained fellow youth leaders and coaches across five schools, ensuring that the model is replicated and scaled.

Her work has also inspired others in the community to see sport as a serious instrument for social change. Teachers at Bowa Primary School now use elements of the program in their own lessons, reinforcing the message beyond the sports field. As one teacher remarked: “We see the children more focused in class, and more supportive to each other. The link between sports and education is real.”

Alice’s initiative also points to the importance of peer-to-peer leadership. By sharing her knowledge with fellow coaches in Kwale, she is creating a sustainable network of young leaders equipped to continue the work. As Alice explained: “The training was not just for me, it was for the entire community. Every coach I train becomes a multiplier of change.”

The impact in Kwale County proves once again that when youth are given the tools, they can lead change, not only on the field, but in the future of their communities.

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