NetGirls Zambia is not solely about winning....

This week’s email comes from Elida Banda, our Program Officer and NetGirls Project Leader! Thank you, Elida.

As we conclude another exciting season of the 2024 NetGirls project, we would like to share some highlights from this incredible initiative, which unites girls and young women through the sport of netball. This year, NetGirls is supported in part from Together Women Rise and we are so grateful to them for this incredible generosity! Additionally, the project continues to be supported by co-founder David Seidenfeld and Amber Peterman. 

NetGirls is a social program dedicated to empowering girls and young women in rural areas. It fosters connections among individuals from different backgrounds, creating an atmosphere of support and engagement as they come together to watch and cheer on the games throughout the season.

This year, from July to October, our league thrived in five vibrant communities in Katete: Chikwanda, Mtaya, Nyembe, Kafunkha, and a new addition this year - Nkhunga. With a total of 100 teams and approximately 1,500 participants from over 20 villages, the energy and excitement were intense. The atmosphere was power-driven, with teams competing fiercely, showcasing not only their athletic prowess but also their growing self-esteem and solidarity.

The league was structured to promote healthy competition, culminating in thrilling quarter-finals and semi-finals, leading to the grand championship finals. This year, zone 2 emerged as a standout, clinching first place in both the Junior and Varsity categories. Our Junior champions, Zam-Girls, played an impressive 18 matches, winning 16 and scoring 255 goals. Meanwhile, the Varsity champions, Achuche 2, dominated their matches with a flawless record, scoring a remarkable 298 goals.

The NetGirls project is not solely about winning; it is about building skills, fostering mentorship, and empowering girls and young women.

  
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support plays a crucial role in empowering these girls and young women, helping them discover their potential both on and off the field. We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements and look forward to another successful season of the NetGirls project in 2025!