Tai Po Fire Emergency Response
Scoring Goals for Equal Access to Education
Let the girls play. Let the girls learn. Let the girls lead. This has been a clear message during the girls’ inter-school football competition hosted by the World Food Programme and World Vision in Juba, South Sudan. The tournament was a vibrant celebration of teamwork, inclusion, and empowerment, bringing together eight primary schools and nearly 8,000 students. It turned the football field into a platform for equality, hope, and opportunity, advocating equal access to quality education for both boys and girls.
“My dream is to become a professional female footballer in South Sudan and be signed by a team that will support my ambition,” said 16-year-old Achol, one of the participants.
More than a competition, the event highlighted how sport can be a catalyst for breaking barriers and building confidence, courage, and leadership among girls, both on the field and in the classroom.
“We were not just playing to win. We played to make new friends and show our talents,” added 15-year-old Chol, with a bright smile despite her team’s loss.
For teacher and coach Santos Laurence, the experience was equally rewarding. “This is the first time our school has joined a girls’ football competition. Winning was great, but the real victory was seeing our players connect and grow together.”
