Gabriel Tabona documents a community team in Nairobi.

Young Rovers Sports Club – a community team in Nairobi’s Eastlands area – participated in a series of football tournaments in the suburbs of Jericho, Makadara and Maringo during the December holidays.

Due to a school system which emphasises classroom learning and prioritises academic achievement, school holidays have become the only period of time where young people can find refuge in physical activity.

With the new competency based curriculum set to kick off in January 2020 from grade 4, education policy makers should emphasise the importance of engaging in physical activities in between lessons. This would ensure increased and sustained school attendance, which can lead to positive long-term development outcomes - including but not limited to reducing the cost of healthcare at the household and national level, and improving mental health, social interactions and lifestyles.

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team.]

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