Twenty first century life has become so complex that nothing is obvious anymore. Children getting the opportunity to play with each other is no longer a given due to the fragmentation of family life in this day and age. Schools, especially the new 'modern schools' only focus on passing exams rather than delivering a full education package to their students, it is common to find schools without playing facilities. Career guidance is now a thing of history, many children want to study want can bring for them quick money when they enter the workforce. Exploration of one's various potentials is considered a waste of time. The 'old-school' mindset that children must concentrate on studies has become stronger than before - school buses pick children at 5am and drop them after 7pm. In the process many young people are sitting on or stuck with untapped talent and are missing the opportunity to become part of something in the wider society. But above all, this kind of life style is neither healthy nor advisable.
As Pitekowa Ventures, we shine the spotlight on iHoops Basketball Academy for the work they are undertaking as far as youth engagement (in order to unearth their sporting talent and acquire important lifeskills) is concerned. Established in 2014 by co-founders and celebrated Ugandan basketball stars Ben Komakech and Jimmy Enabu, the academy is dedicated to nurturing youngsters and promoting excellence in basketball with the goal of positioning the young people to reap the benefits attainable through engaging and excelling in sports. iHoops provides an inclusive learning environment, fostering lifelong character development and positive deviance, helping youth succeed both on and off the court.
Pitekowa has partnered with iHoops to run youth engagement interventions for in- and out-of-school youth where sports, particularly basketball is used as the pull-factor the glue through which game-changing interventions are delivered, such as the sports for agribusiness model.
On a routine basis, iHoops runs weekly clinics at Fusion Sports off Fifth Street in Kampala where parents can take/drop their children for session. During the school holidays, the academy runs week-long intense camps where the young people are taken through talent development drills as well as lifeskills sessions. So, do not keep the young ones gated-up during holidays or weekend, bring them out for productive engagements. The next Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Lisa Leslie or Caitlyn Clark could be hibernating in our midst. We can only unearth talent through exploration.
PV is looking forward to running youth life changing and positively influencing interventions with iHoops in the coming years.
We are proudly associated.
