Save the Ball Soccer for Africa Soccer equipment!

A word of witness and gratitude 

In the heart of Africa, on Idjwi Island, the second largest in Africa and tenth largest island in the world, lies a village where dreams are as vast as the surrounding waters of Lac Kivu. It's a place where the game of soccer, the universal language of joy, health, and community, is more than a pastime; it's a lifeline for the children growing up amid challenges that often mirror abuses.

Here, soccer isn't just a sport; it's a bridge that connects hearts, builds relationships, and forms bonds among the youth. But the harsh reality is that soccer balls and leather, essential for this beautiful game, have become prohibitively expensive in this part of the world and for local people. Children ingeniously craft their soccer balls from plastic bags and clothes in villages where resources are scarce, turning imagination into play.

One such village is on Idjwi Island, a place not widely known but deeply cherished by its inhabitants—the Havu people, who coexist with the Pygmies, creating a unique cultural tapestry. In the midst of their daily struggles, a beacon of hope arrived, originating from a land they had only heard of in dreams—the United States.

When I first met Patricia Kloehn, I discovered a compassionate soul with a heart as vast as the waters surrounding Idjwi Island. Patricia shared the poignant story of her son, Negus, a soccer prodigy who found solace and happiness on the soccer field. Negus had dreams of becoming a professional player, but fate had different plans. Though he departed this world prematurely, his spirit lives on, playing soccer in the celestial fields and spreading joy to other children. As our conversations unfolded, Patricia learned about the challenges faced by schools and villages in Africa, striving to bring children together and using soccer as a medium to ignite love and joy. Inspired by the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise up a child," Patricia decided to act. Through her organization, "Save the Ball Soccer for Africa," she sent precious cartons of soccer balls, nets, pumps, and uniforms—all brand new. The impact was immediate and profound. The children and their teachers, who had previously faced the scarcity of resources, now have the tools to foster health, community, and positive relationships. Games and tournaments were organized, uniting neighboring villages and schools to celebrate shared joy.

Yet, Patricia's generosity went beyond material donations. She embraced a personal connection with the teams, exchanging emails and receiving pictures transcending geographical boundaries. The promise of more aid to come reinforced a sense of enduring support. The children, grateful for the unexpected friendship from a distant land, even invited Patricia to visit their peaceful and environmentally friendly haven.

In this tale of heartbreak and hope, Patricia Kloehn's act of kindness provided essential soccer equipment and sowed the seeds of lasting connections, proving that the language of compassion knows no borders. Through "Save the Ball Soccer for Africa," a small act of love reverberates across continents, offering solace to children who, despite their challenges, find joy in the beautiful game.