All things GRS

Soccer is a universal language. No questions asked. I came to understand this the first time I was in Honduras and stepped out the field with the Hondurans. Immediately it was something we had in common when language and culture similarities seemed to separate us.  Soccer has the power to bring people of all ages together on a field, in a school yard, on a piece of dirt, with a ball or a rock or some balled up string, goals or no goals, barefoot or in cleats. No matter what, the game is played, enjoyed, celebrated, and understood as if a common language. This game holds so much potential for global development. Grassroot Soccer is based around that idea. The power of soccer can be harnessed to "educate, inspire, mobilize, and prevent HIV/AIDS".

Breaking this up again for easy understanding. I obviously like bullet points and numbers.

The Problem

• Nearly 70% of all people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS live in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• In sub-Saharan Africa young women ages 15-24 years old are as much as four times more likely than young meant to be HIV positive

The Solution

• Young people--they are the hardest hit by HIV/AIDS yet are the greatest force for change through safe behaviors and empowerment. 
• SOCCER! 

Where GRS comes in:

• It was started in 2002 in Zimbabwe and currently has its curriculum in 23 countries. The GRS affiliate sites with direct offices are in South Africa-Cape Town, Kimberely, Alexandra, Soweto, Orange Farm, and Port Elizabeth; Zambia- Lusaka; and Zimbabwe. The other countries are developed through partnership organizations as well as the growing number of Peace Corps members implementing the GRS curriculum in their sites (GO ALL YOU PCVs!)
• GRS trains community leaders, local professional soccer players, and other role models as coaches who lead the SKILLZ programmes 
• SKILLZ programs "focus on building basic life skills that help boys and girls adopt healthy behaviors and live risk-free through a series of interactive activities and discussions"

1. SKILLZ Core
1. the basic curriculum. co-ed for ages 11-14
2. SKILLZ Generation
1. co-ed for ages 15-19
3. SKILLZ Street
1. girls only
4. SKILLZ Holiday
1. held over 5 days during school breaks

The Goal

• To educate 1 million young people on living AIDS-free, healthy, and productive lives by the 2014 World Cup!

I wish I could write more on all the great things about GRS but always feel free to contact me if you want more information.