Extracurricular Activities
Beyond our Schools of Hope, ChallengeAid curates a diverse array of extracurricular activities—music, drama, art, chess, debating, and talent competitions. Currently, 2,061 children are participating in 172 sports teams, covering 7 diverse sports, from athletics to volleyball. ChallengeAid also funds coaching courses to enhance the programs within our schools. In September 2023, we held an Inter School of Hope sports tournament spanning 4 days, with an estimated total of 581 boys and girls participating in various sports, including cricket, football, rugby, netball, and volleyball.
Our efforts to create inclusive and equal opportunities extend beyond the classroom. As of 2023, 844 girls are part of sports teams, up from 280 in 2022. We aim to leverage the power of sport for gender equity by amplifying female voices and promoting leadership among girls in our sports teams.
A chessboard can be bought for our Schools of Hope for just £4. Since it requires minimal organisation and only two players, it has proven to be one of the most successful and cost-effective additions to our Schools of Hope. The game has gained remarkable popularity within the Schools of Hope, with several pupils participating in prestigious competitions outside the slums. Notably, at the recent tournament at Woodcreek International School, we proudly celebrated a champion in the under-14 girls category and a runner-up in the under-18 girls. Chess instils discipline, patience, and healthy competition while improving critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Across our Schools of Hope, we now have 394 players in 46 teams and 22 trained coaches.
We firmly emphasise the indispensability of these activities for children growing up in informal slum settlements, serving as a vital pathway to positive development. By providing access and opportunities to a variety of extracurricular activities, we aspire to offer children more chances to participate in positive and beneficial pursuits, providing a constructive alternative to potential negative influences they might be tempted to engage with. This not only offers a haven from challenging environments but also nurtures creativity and self-esteem. Such initiatives instil a sense of belonging and purpose, empowering children to lay the groundwork for a brighter future beyond the limitations of their surroundings.
