BGI in Tanzania
Last year, during our family’s service & conservation trip to Tanzania, I spent time with my family in remote villages, engaging with local boys through the universal language of football (soccer).
These games weren’t just about sport; they were a way to foster belonging, build friendships, and offer a positive alternative to the hardships many of these boys face, including exposure to crime and poaching.
Beyond the field, experiences like cooking with the village women and preparing meals from scratch taught me invaluable lessons about humility, community, and shared humanity. These moments revealed that, despite our differences, we are united by common values and a shared desire to learn from one another.
My journey began by connecting with groups of boys from different villages in Tanzania — training together, playing soccer, and discovering each other’s worlds through the beautiful game.
Even though we didn’t share the same spoken language, we communicated through something deeper: the language of friendship, teamwork, and mutual support. Soccer became our bridge — a way to listen, learn, and understand one another’s stories.
BGI empowers youth through hands-on experiences that foster leadership, environmental activism, and global connection.
Taking Action
Inspired by this connection, I took on what seemed like an impossible challenge: to invite three of these boys to join my soccer team and compete at the Gothia Cup in Sweden in July 2026.
With permission and partnership from local coordinators and translators, we have worked tirelessly throughout the past year on their paperwork and logistics. Very soon, with continued support, they will join us in Sweden — a dream turning into reality.
Your contribution can help make this journey possible. Every donation brings us one step closer to ensuring these boys can represent their community on the global stage — proving that passion, teamwork, and hope know no borders.