Growing up in Mali, Mariam always had a passion for sports, particularly basketball. For over 20 years, she has been dedicated to the game, both as a player and a coach, making her an integral part of her local community sports. In 2017, she joined the International Sports Alliance (ISA), which would go on to play a transformative role in her life.

“ISA changed a lot of things in the way I do things and contributed to my personal growth” 

Mariam had been coaching at another club, but through the SfD programme, she gained the leadership skills and confidence to realize her long-held dream... In 2020, Mariam took the leap and founded her own club in an area notorious for drugs, crime and other social issues. The club provided young people with an alternative, offering them a safe space to build skills and aspire to more. 

“Thanks to the club, many young people from the area have gone back to school, and one of them has even earned a national Fundamental School certificate,” Mariam says with pride. 

 Her work has also inspired local women to start their own businesses, such as hairdressing services, creating income opportunities that were previously out of reach. Through international partnerships, she has even helped players secure opportunities to play abroad in Spain and the U.S. Mariam’s influence extends beyond the basketball court. As a national basketball coach, she serves as a role model, with people from the community frequently seeking her advice. She also organizes community activities, such as cleanup days at local schools, and gathers clothing and shoes for vulnerable children.

“The project really changes the community. It develops in a positive way, inspiring the youth to contribute to sustainable development”

In just a few years, Mariam has received numerous accolades, including awards for best community-based sports organization, the most engaged woman, and philanthropy via sports. Her impact resonates across her community, bringing hope, fostering social cohesion, and making dreams a reality!
 

Sport for Development empowers youth to create lasting change in their communities through the power of sports and play. This program, funded by the Dutch government, is a powerful initiative aimed at contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and cultivating meaningful youth engagement and social impact on a global scale.

 
For over 20 years, the program supports a world where children and young adults actively contribute to vital communities. This not only promotes healthier lifestyles through sports and play, but also improves access to formal and informal education, gender equality, women's participation, employability and entrepreneurship. Sport for Development creates safe spaces for youth to explore and embrace their authentic selves.