The boy on the football pitch. | © Tom Rübenach

The boy on the football pitch. | © Tom Rübenach

I met this boy in the Korogocho slum in Nairobi. Before we spoke, he was sitting there watching a training session of his older friends.

Somehow I had the impression he was drawing something in the sand, as if he was taking notes. Later, I "drew" animals in the dusty sand of the football field together with him....

In Nairobi, there is an extremely impressive youth initiative that looks after children like him. They round up the boys and girls to play sports together - especially football. This gets them out of the hamster wheel of violence, drugs and other bad things.

The Ayiera initiative has existed for more than ten years and its work has helped to give children and young people a better perspective. Among them are even some who have gone to university or are currently studying there.

If you are interested, here is their homepage: www.Ayiera-Initiative.org – and thank you for your interest!