Two teams from Girls Kick It! played in last week's girls' football tournament in Gulu. The two-day tournament, organized by Canadian students from the Concordia University Volunteer Abroad Program, included twelve teams from secondary schools and community organizations. GKI brought 18 players from Gulu Town and 18 players from Paicho IDP camp.

The Gulu team played first on Saturday morning, facing strong opposition from the Red Cross community team, which included several former GKI members. The Paicho team played next, putting up a great defense against another community team. The game was intense, and despite the countless shots blocked by the goal-keeper, Paicho was defeated.

On Sunday morning the two GKI teams faced one another in a friendly match. Both teams played well, with Paicho going on to the semi-finals, where they ultimately lost to the Red Cross. The girls returned home excited about the prospect of another tournament and ready to train hard in preparation to meet their future opponents.

Last month the Jerusalem Post featured GYPA's new Helping Hands Medical Fellowship delegation:

For the second straight year, Israeli doctors and health care professionals will be heading to Namuwongo, Uganda on the Helping Hands Medical Fellowship to volunteer their time for a community in need.

The first delegation will be leaving December 3 and returning February 5 in an effort to build the Ugandans' capacity to sustain a higher level of health.

Read the whole article or contact Sharon Wolf, GYPA's Israel liaison, at sharon@gypafrica.org for more information.

Buy This Bus Campaign!
GYPA’s Soccer Programs Need Your Support to Buy this Bus!

In their tournament debut at the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town South Africa, Gomo Tong FC representing Uganda, finished 21st out of 48 teams. Among others, Gomo Tong defeated Germany, France, Switzerland, Denmark, and Ghana. Upon returning to Uganda Gomo Tong FC received invitations to participate in soccer matches, trainings, clinics and educational programs.

Unfortunately, the team is unable to accept the invitations because we do not have transportation.

As a result, GYPA USA launched “Buy This Bus” an effort to raise $20,000 to purchase two official team mini-buses for Gomo Tong FC and Girls Kick It!, GYPA’s soccer initiative targeting girls in Northern Uganda (www.girlskickit.org).

Where is the money allocated?

Each bus will be maintained by the coaching staff and team members. The mini-buses will enable the team to participate in country-wide activities, but also, during “off-days” the mini-buses travel throughout the streets of Kampala and Gulu as a special hire taxi-service. All daily taxi fares will be reinvested in the maintenance of the mini-buses, and Gomo Tong FC and Girls Kick It (www.girlskickit.org)! Programs. With the total amount raised, GYPA seeks to acquire driving permits for players and offer opportunities for vocational training in auto mechanics.

Breakdown of costs:
$16,000 for two mini-buses;
$4,000 for driving permits/insurance and vocational training

We can’t do this without you!
We need your help to support Gomo Tong Football Club and Girls Kick It!

A secure online donation can be made at GYPA's website: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr

October 9, 2006

In this African Perspective, Andrea Rose, travels to Cape Town, South Africa for a rather unusual event.

With the 2010 World Cup in sight, 500 excluded and socially marginalised football players from 48 nations have recently been competing for the Homeless World Cup.

The hope is that through this street soccer tournament, perceptions of what it means to be homeless might be shifted.

21 year old Sara Angwech who lives in a displaced person’s camp in Gulu, Uganda, is one of the players from the 13 African countries who made the journey to South Africa to compete.

But can football really change people’s lives?

Also, hear Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu's views on whether this is the right way to help Africa’s homeless people.

To listen to the radio feed visit: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/african_perspective.shtml

Gomo Tong FC took a well-deserved break from the HWC action to visit the beach. This was the first time that the team had ever seen the ocean or a beach. It was an awesome experience that we'll never forget!


"Mambo shows off his skills at Campe Bay"


"Auma's Million Dollar Smile"


"A Moment of Solitude as Lamex Stands on the Shores of the Atlantic"


"Opio, Sara and Auma Enjoy the South African Sun"

Gomo Tong FC won it's final match at the Cape Town Homeless World Cup 4-0 over Germany. The team played it's absolute best match of the tournament, and ended with a record of 7 wins and 6 loses. Incredible for the HWC newcomers.

As a result of the victory, Gomo Tong FC finished in the top of of the 48 teams, with a ranking of 21st.


The winners of the 2006 HWC was Russia, who defeated Kazakhystan 1-0.

It was an incredible journey for the team from Uganda. We hope to participate in the 2007 HWC in Copenhagen. Stay tuned for photos from the 2006 HWC.

Today, Gomo Tong FC lost to Finald, 3-2 -- goals were scored by Ojok Hannington and Dennis Opio.

In the evening, Gomo Tong FC defeated Chile, 4-2. Gomo Tong now stands with record of 6 wins and 6 loses.

The highlight of today, however, was the appearance of Archbishop Desmod Tutu who spoke to the capacity crowd. Gomo Tong FC team member, Auma Zainabu, was selected from the Ugandan team to greet Mr. Tutu, and also handed him a Gomo Tong FC t-shirt.

It was a difficult afternoon for Gomo Tong FC who fell to Germany 6-3. Goals were scored by Ojok Hannington, Mambo and Opio.


"Gomo Tong FC pose for a photo with Team Germany"

In a heart-breaker, Ireland defeated Gomo Tong FC in a penalty shoot-out after the game was tied 2-2. Scoring for Gomo Tong was Ojok Hannington.

Lamex Lambert stopped 3 straight penalty shot attempts for Gomo Tong FC, but Gomo Tong was unable to knock in a penalty shot to take the victory. After three players from each side failed to score on penatly shots, Ireland's 4th attempt was netted. Gomo Tong had one final attempt, but the keeper stopped the attempt.

Gomo Tong FC is still in the running for 3rd place and looks forward to making up with a few wins tomorrow on it's quest for the 3rd place trophy.

Gomo Tong continued their win streak to 3 games, and lifted their record 5-3 after defeating the French. Goals were scored by Simon Mwaka, and Ojok Hannington. Auma Zainabu, one of the excellent female members of Gomo Tong played tenacious defense during the second half. Her in your face defense resulted in the ejection of one of France's players mid-way through the second half. France was then forced to play with only 2 players.

Next up for Gomo Tong is Germany at 2pm. And Ireland this evening at 6pm.

Jeremy

In a challenging match versus Finland late this afternoon Gomo Tong won a thriller in extended play, 1-0 in the penalty shoot out. After regulation the score was tied 2-2. The game also marked a ground-breaking event when Coach Ssemakula started Sarah Angwech one of 3 female members with Gomo Tong in Cape Town.

A heroic display of goal-keeping was admired by the crowd, when Lamex Lambert blocked 3 consecutive Finland penalty attempts. For Gomo Tong, Mambo netted the lone penalty shot that brought the Ugandan bench to its feet as is stormed the field to celebrate the victory.

Next up for Gomo Tong tomorrow are three of Europe's most talented HWC football clubs: France, Germany and Ireland. Should be another exciting day at the Homeless World Cup.

Gomo Tong's record now stands at 4 wins and 3 loses, as it racks up points on-route to the 3rd place championship trophy.

It was a fast and furious game between East and West Africa this afternoon, and Gomo Tong defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 6-2. After Ghana scored first, Ojok Hannington continued his flurry of goal scoring by firing back with 2 goals to put Gomo Tong up 2-1 at half-time.

The second half was all Mambo, the talented young player scored 4 goals in under 7 minutes in the second half.

Spirts and morale were very high and Gomo Tong now looks forward to its match-up at 4pm versus Finland.


"Uganda and Ghana pose for a pre-game photo"



"Joseph Kaliisa relaxes after a cool victory over Ghana"

England defeated Gomo Tong FC this evening 7-2. In a game that was intense and unfortunately poorly officiated, Gomo Tong FC is now in the running for the 3rd Place Trophy. Goals were scored by Gomo Tong FC by Ojok Hannington, and Mambo Bosco, the youngest member of Gomo Tong.

From Cape Town.
Jeremy

Gomo Tong FC opened the Pool Stage of the Homeless World Cup this morning versus Kazahkstan. The team suffered a 9-3 loss versus a well-fueled and skilled team. Gomo Tong now awaits the loser of the England v. Russia match which takes place later this afternoon.
Should Gomo Tong win this evening they would move into the next part of the Pool Stage.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Jeremy

Gomo Tong FC was handed it's first defeat this evening to Russia, 5-0. Under wet conditions and the dark evening sky Russia played a remarkably great game. However, once again goal-keeper, Lamex Lambert, blocked a aresenal of shots on goal. His aggresive play was the high-light of the action for Gomo Tong FC. Morale is still up and with a 2-1 record, Gomo Tong FC has already put Uganda on the map at the Homeless World Cup.

The great news is that Gomo Tong FC has qualified for the second round and will play tomorrow morning at 10am versus a team yet to be determined.

Dateline Cape Town:
September 25, 2006

Though the morning started off slowly in the Cape with rain and cool breezes, GOMO TONG FC defeated Switzerland in the afternoon 5-3. A remarkable game was played by Gomo Tong FC keeper, Lamex Lambert whose performance kept Gomo Tong FC undefeated in tournament play.

This evening, Gomo Tong FC squares off versus Russia at 8:20pm which should be Gomo Tong's most difficult contest yet. The winner this evening will place 1st in Group L, but both teams (Russia and Gomo Tong) have already advanced to the next round of tournament play.

From Cape Town,
Jeremy

The first selection of Gomo Tong FC in Cape Towh, September 24, 2006


"Gomo Tong FC poses for a photo before "The March" to the Grand Parade for the opening ceremonies and first day of match play"



"A Ball Can Change the World" -- GYPA Country Director, Joseph Kaliisa Enjoying a beautiful day in Cape Town



"Gomo Tong FC Greets the Homeless World Cup"



"A View from inside the Grand Parade Stadium in the Center of Cape Town"


Stay tuned for photos from Gomo Tong FC matches versus Estonia, Switzerland and Russia.

All photos are the property and copyrighted to Global Youth Partnership for Africa. Use of this photos is not permitted without express written consent.

From the start of the match Gomo Tong FC controlled the pace... coming out with a convincing "W" over Estonia 9-3. Coach Ssemakula's starting line-up included: Hannington Ojok, Dennis Opio, Joshua-Joseph Ochieng and Lamex Lambart at keeper.

By halftime, Gomo Tong FC was up 4-1 with the crowd energized under lights of the Grand Parade at Cape Town night. Late in the second half Auma Zainabu, one of the members of Girls Kick It! entered the game and exhibited a flurry of defensive excellence leading to a goal by Gomo Tong FCs youngest player (at 17 years) Mambo Bosco.

Tomorrow, Gomo Tong FC faces off against:
Switzerland at 1:20pm
Russia at 5:45pm

Point of interest....Switzerland, lost to Russia today after the game was ended due to "foul play" by both sides.

Morale is high and the team is ready for the face off with the remaining two teams in their bracket.

In other Homeless World Cup news, South Africa opened up the HWC with a victory over Chile, Namibia defeated Italy, the two-time defending champions, England, Ireland, Kenya, Ghana, and Portugal were some of the other teams who came up victorious.

Stay tuned for more news from Cape Town tomorrow.

Jeremy

Late last evening Gomo Tong FC representing Uganda, arrived Cape Town International Airport. Though the endured nearly 6 hours of travel, 3 airports, and the first time flying for the entire group the arrived wide-eyed and happy to be in South Africa.

Upon arrival to their accommodations at Rafalgar High School the team learned that they drew Group L, with Russia, Switzerland, and Estonia. Tomorrow evening, September 24, Gomo Tong FC faces off against Estonia at 6pm. Stay tuned for blog posts tomorrow.

This morning all of 48 teams participating in the Homeless World Cup filled the stands at the Main Pitch Opening at the Grand Parade in Cape Town. The Grand Parade was the site of major anti-apartheid protests and Nelson Mandela's first speech after his release from prison. To read the text of Mandela's inauguration speech at the Grand Parade click here: http://www.anc.org.za/ancdocs/history/mandela/1994/inaugct.html

The wave of colors and flags adorned the bodies and stands of participating players from Finland, Cameroon, United States, Chile, Mexico -- and the chants in native languages sent a wave of positive energy though the crowd. Like the feel of the World Cup, the crowed danced, hollered, shook hands and bridged the regional, national and global divides through the idea the "A Ball Can Change the World." It was a beautiful spectacle at the historic site that stands for freedom, peace and brotherhood.

Gomo Tong FCs friend and generous donor, Kevin Carroll, provided an inspirational presentation on the main pitch follwed by giving every player a copy of his critically acclaimed book "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball."

In the afternoon, all coaches attended the Anti-Racism Conference organized by the international players union, FIFPro and Euseblo Ferreira Da Silva one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Finally a beautiful day (did I mention the weather was a perfect 75 degrees) was capped off by an event hosted by the Mayor of Cape Town at the Cape Town Civic Center. And, again, was followed by more dancing -- the Ugandan team stole the dance floor -- dance, another universal language, was shared. The vibrant young Ugandan women (Sara, Auma and Carol) taught players from Hong Kong, Europe and the US how to shake your hips like only Ugandans do.

Good Night from Cape Town,
Jeremy

Beginning September 23 and running through October 1 check the GYPA blog for updates on Gomo Tong's FC experiences at the Homeless World Cup.

In the coming weeks GYPA will announce and begin to recruit students for the January 2007 Youth Summits. Applications will be available via-our website.

Stay tuned!

8 players, 2 coaches, 2 peace ambassadors and 2 GYPA staff will head to Cape Town for the Homeless World Cup on Thursday, September 21. Stay tuned to the GYPA website for information and blog entires throughout the tournament (September 22 - October 1).

For information about the Homeless World Cup visit: www.homelessworldcup.org

Kampala, Uganda
August 23, 2006
Gomo Tong Football Club Logo Unveiled

This afternoon GYPA unveiled the official Gomo Tong Football Club logo and team colors in Kampala, Uganda. The logo adorns the national bird of Uganda the "Crested Crane" with one foot stepping on top of a football and the leg lifted in the air. The team colors announced today are Navy Blue and White, and the logo will appear on the front of the jersey tops worn by the team traveling to Cape Town for the Homeless World Cup.

Special thanks to Coach Robert Ssemakula and Joseph Kaliisa for their efforts to bring the logo to fruition.

August 3, 2006

Kampala, Uganda
This morning selections for the 2006 Homeless World Cup "Team Gomo Tong" were officially announced. Team Gomo Tong consists of players from Namwuongo, Gulu and Paicho IDP Camp located in Uganda, and is made up of six boys and 2 girls.

The official roster is:
Coach: Robert Ssemakula
Assistant Coach/Advocacy Captain: Joseph Kaliisa Bagambaki

-Opio Dennis (21); Captain
-Sarah Angwech (20); Co-captain
-Elma Aumazainabu (16)
-Ojok Hannington (20)
-Akena Lamex Lambart (20)
-Ochen Joshua-Joseph (25)
-Mwaka Idi (17)
-Mambo Bosco (18)

The Team Gomo Tong Peace Ambassadors who will accompany Team Gomo Tong as advocates and ambassadors for peace, development and sports for social change will be announced within the coming week.

Stay tuned to the Homeless World Cup website for details.

Team Gomo Tong Captain, Dennis Ocean and Team Gomo Tong Co-Captain, Sarah Angwech, are now featured on Kevin Carrol's blog. Check in weekly for their blog entries and photos in the lead up to the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town: www.katalystatlarge.com

Immediate Release
Gulu, Uganda
July 8, 2006
GYPA's Girls Kick It (www.girlskickit.org) program hosted its first practice this past week in the Paicho IDP Camp. Paicho is located near the Gulu District in Northern Uganda and is home to several thousand internally displaced people as a result of the 20 years conflict in Northern Uganda.

The practice included 35 young girls who ranged in age between 12 - 16 years old. The practice was observed by a crowd of men and women and numbered more than 300 people who live in and around the Paicho IDP Camp.

Girls Kick It! Coordinator, Anna Phillips, is currently involved in the selection process of a few young women to be a part of "Team Gomo Tong" for the Homeless World Cup (www.streetsoccer.org). Team Gomo Tong will travel to South Africa from September 21 - October 1, 2006 to participate and represent Uganda.

Stay tuned for photos from Northern Uganda!

Dateline Kampala: Team Gomo Tong
June 30, 2006
34 youth living in the Zone B sector of Namuwongo located just outside of
Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, completed the first round of try-outs
for Team Gomo Tong and the Homeless World Cup.
Visit: http://katalystatlarge.com
to view photos and catch more information about the road to the Homeless World Cup.

Helping hands link lifelong friends
By: JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer

Practically since they left their cradles, Anna Phillips and Rebecca Littman have shared an interest in repairing the world.

They met as toddlers running around Temple Adat Shalom in Poway, where Littman's mother served as president and Phillips' mom was director of the preschool. Their friendship continued through Hebrew school, Bat Mitzvahs and confirmation, while they tackled numerous social action projects.

"I remember when we were little we did 'Save the Children' (collecting money to sponsor children in poverty-stricken areas)," said Littman, a 2004 graduate of Poway High School. "I think we've always kind of been like this."

What they are today are college juniors heading to Uganda to launch a program to empower girls and women whose lives in a country torn apart by a 20-year civil war provide little other than danger and deprivation.

"I was shocked when I first learned of it," said Phillips, a 2004 graduate of Rancho Bernardo High School and a North County Times Student of Merit. "Ninety percent of the people in the north have been displaced. The rebel army is 80 percent child soldiers. Women are used as sex slaves or for target practice."

After a trip to Uganda in January with Global Youth Partnership for Africa, Phillips developed a plan to improve the situation of young women with a program to boost self-confidence and create positive attitudes though participation in athletics.

Called "Girls Kick It," the program begins with a recreational soccer program, plus instruction in reading and about HIV/AIDS. If successful, Phillips, who attends George Washington University, hopes to replicate the program in other areas of Africa.

When Littman heard what her lifelong friend was up to, she wanted to get involved. She landed a grant from her college, Wesleyan University in Connecticut, to do psychological research to determine the effectiveness of the program.

So the two pals will be together again, on the other side of the world, in a situation that in no way resembles their suburban upbringing.

"I'm ready for whatever is there," said Littman. "I think the conditions in the camp are pretty bad. It will be an eye-opener to see what these people live with every day."

Phillips admits there is "a danger factor," but is happy that she and Littman will together be working to help others.

"It's amazing. We have been plotting to go to Africa since our sophomore year in high school," she said. "This is something we always thought and dreamed about. I told her about the program, and she said, 'All right, I'm coming.'

"It's great. I can't imagine going with anyone better."

-- Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.
www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/06/22/news/columnists/jeff_frank/23_31_076_21_06.txt

Check out what our friend and supporter, Kevin Carroll wrote about Team Gomo Tong and the Homeless World Cup.

www.katalystatlarge.com

Stay tuned to Kevin's blog for updates about the team and what he's up to during his global travels.

GYPA TEAMS UP WITH KATALYST CONSULTANCY TO SUPPORT UGANDA PEACE AMBASSADORS FOR THE 4th ANNUAL HOMELESS WORLD CUP

WASHINGTON, DC – May 1, 2006

Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA), a non-profit organization dedicated to fundamentally challenging the way Americans engage with and understand Africa, has teamed up with Katalyst Consultancy to help Ugandan youth affected by conflict, AIDS, and extreme poverty.

GYPA received a very generous $25,000 donation from the Katalyst Consultancy, which includes the donation of equipment and uniforms for the soccer players. GYPA strives to create partnerships between accomplished and emerging youth leaders in Africa and their talented American counterparts eager to bring fresh, pragmatic perspectives to Africa's challenges and to work together for innovative practical solutions. The Katalyst Consultancy's Founder, Kevin Carroll, is the author of the highly successful book, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Work, published by ESPN Books. His global work involves using the message and lessons of sport to enrich organizations, communities, and individuals.

From September 21 – October 1, 2006, Team Gomo Tong representing Uganda will travel to Cape Town, South Africa with the Global Youth Partnership for Africa and participate in the 4th Annual Homeless World Cup (HWC). This is more than a sporting event between nations and countries from around the globe. Rather, it is an opportunity for the marginalized and poverty-stricken to advocate on their own behalf to their communities, their country and the international stage.

The participants from Uganda will be selected through try-outs in May, and the player selection will be based on several factors that include athletic skill, leadership, and overall commitment to continued educational and social change upon returning to Uganda. The participants will return to Uganda as heroes and champions in the belief that sports are a tool for co-existence, peace and development in Uganda.

Team Gomo Tong will consist of four men and four women HWC players between 16-25 years old. Additionally, eight official Team Gomo Tong Peace Ambassadors will not play in the HWC, but will undertake pre-HWC advocacy, skills trainings, and practice with Team Gomo Tong. These Peace Ambassadors will meet with HWC delegations from 30 different countries while spreading the message of hope and commitment to eradicating poverty, conflict and AIDS in Uganda. Finally, four coaches from Namuwongo and Gulu will serve as project managers and trainers for the soccer players and peace ambassadors.

After the Homeless World Cup has ended, Team Gomo Tong will continue to work in Northern Uganda to serve as Peace Ambassadors for various GYPA partnered NGOs and CBOs; organize and expand opportunities for friendly matches (football, netball and basketball); organize and expand annual competitions in Uganda, East Africa, and throughout Africa; and promote peace building psychosocial support programs for vulnerable children and communities in Northern Uganda through soccer leagues and soccer teams.

Stay tuned for more details about the players during their try-outs, trainings, volunteers from the US working with the team, how you can help, and the countdown to the Homeless World Cup.

We are excited to announce the launch of the official Girls Kick It! website: www.girlskickit.org
A very special thanks to Michael J. Brenner (www.michaeljbrenner.com) for donating his time and exceptional talent to this very important empowerment program for the women of Northern Uganda.

Visit us online and make a secure donation at: www.girlskickit.org