The rainy season is just beginning in Kandale. Mango season is coming to an end with only a few mangoes remaining on the trees. Farmers are heading out into the field to plant peanuts and students are all back in class, with seniors occupying the newly completed blocks of classes. It’s been two years since construction began on these new classrooms and students are now listening to the rain patter on the new tin roofs. On deck will be the installation of windows and doors, paving the floors, painting the buildings inside and out, and building new furniture. There is more room for excitement as the Comité Sportif has just announced its plans for the second annual Women’s Football Tournament in May. The Women’s Tournament in 2025 is still fresh in the minds of many with the resounding victory of Giboba Village against Lycee Gina Gisanga. This year's tournament has been sponsored by TEEEM, (The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission).
The Comité wasted no time in sending out word to the surrounding communities, some as far away as 40 miles. There are slots for 32 teams with an admission fee of 50.000 FC or $20. A team mobilization campaign was organized to communicate with regional villages and to guarantee maximum participation. The Comité expects that most of the slots will be filled soon. This past week the Comité made a second trip out to all the villages to instruct each village about the expectations for the matches and what services will be provided for those teams participating.
The Comité Sportif is an association of community members, church leaders, teachers, chiefs, women, and youth leaders. As in all the previous tournaments, they organize all the scheduling and make decisions on selecting and training local referees, preparation of the field, and instructing the teams on good sportsmanship. Additional funding will be needed to supply sport bras for all the team members and hygiene products to fully support the players.
The Comité Sportif
The Tournament is seven months away, but the anticipation for the match is already the buzz of the town. The young women have begun practicing in the afternoons after school, weather permitting. Colette has been reflecting on her own childhood, and she has observed a shift in consciousness in the community. Parents are actively supporting their daughter’s interest in the game and have begun to the see new potential in their enthusiasm.
The Tournament has become a major source of pride in the community and in many ways it is responsible for the change in the roles of women. Everyone is connected to the tournament through friends and family. This follows directly from the REVE Kandale Mission Statement, demanding equal access to formal and informal education for boys and girls as well as community development. Soccer tournaments give the young people of the community more reasons to make their homes locally and not travel to the bigger cities.
Students are seen here bringing gravel and dirt to fill in the floors of the classrooms. Prior to pouring a concrete floor, this gravel will provide a solid base. All students contribute to the maintenance of the school and classrooms as part of their commitment to their education.
*** Papa Joseph Madishi Giboba A Mukhasa
(1923-2026)
Shortly after Colette's mother, Rebecca, passed away, her father, Joseph, followed in her footsteps. He was 102 years old. Joseph was a keeper of the history of the community and was greatly loved and respected. He was one of the original teachers qualified to teach by the Missionary School back in 1952, and he taught for over 20 years. Joseph was Colette's teacher for the first and second grade. In his later years he was one of the elders of his church and his wisdom was a guiding light.
Rest in Perfect Peace Father
Love - Colette
