How Bayine Sports is using the power of play to support African refugee children in Egypt

This is the world of Bayine Sports Activities, a charitable initiative founded in 2020 with one simple goal: to harness the power of sport to support refugee children’s education, development, and inclusion.

In many African community-run schools across Egypt, sports are not part of the curriculum, not due to lack of interest, but because of limited space and resources. That’s where Bayine steps in. The initiative was started by James, a Nigerian who had lived in Egypt for several years. Seeing how refugee children were missing out on the benefits of sport, he was inspired to build something meaningful. His vision was to create a sustainable and inclusive model that would not only help young athletes shine but also empower them to become future leaders, whether in Egypt or back home.

What started with just two schools has now grown to eight, offering after-school sports activities across a range of disciplines. More than 2,000 children have taken part, supported by a team of 57 coaches and volunteers, many of whom come from the same communities as the students. These activities offer more than just play, they provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can discover hidden talents and learn life skills like teamwork, discipline, communication, and goal setting.

Short documentary of Bayine Sport Activities. Watch on YouTube.

Real impact, real stories

The impact of Bayine goes far beyond the playing field. We’ve seen firsthand how sports can transform lives:

For the children, regular play has improved mental health, reduced aggression, violence and boosted happiness. One of the most heartwarming changes we've witnessed is a visible rise in self-esteem. This confidence is a critical step toward helping refugee children feel a sense of belonging in Egyptian society, and gives them tools to stand up against bullying and social exclusion.

For the coaches, Bayine has been a life-changing platform. Many African coaches who were once part of the refugee community have now found employment opportunities through the initiative. By investing in their development, Bayine has turned them into role models and community leaders, a living testament to how sport can create pathways to stability and dignity. We had a couple of coaches that started off with Bayine as volunteer coaches and later joined the World Coaches with KNVB and are now youth coaches at La Viena Football Club.

This initiative has also helped shine a light on the refugee experience in Egypt. It’s created real connections between communities, with Egyptian and African coaches, volunteers, and officials joining the cause with open hearts and minds. Their involvement has reinforced the message that sport is a powerful tool for inclusion, empathy, and unity.

A slam dunk of inclusion: courtside dreams inspire young Africans

The air crackled with energy, the squeak of sneakers echoing through the arena. For a group of young Africans in the Egyptian community, however, this wasn't just another sporting event. It was a chance to witness basketball at its highest level, a vibrant spectacle of athleticism and teamwork—the BAL NBA Africa games, right here in their host country.

But this wasn't merely a field trip. It was a deliberate act of inclusion, a tangible effort to weave these children further into the fabric of Egyptian society. And for these lucky youngsters, this wasn't a one-off experience. For the second time in a row, invitation tickets had landed in their hands, offering another precious opportunity to be captivated by the magic of the game. A special visit was paid as well by former NBA player Ian Mahinmi at one of the African community schools in Egypt to bring them motivation and inspiration for a better future.

James's Egyptian odyssey with Bayine

Beyond the initial hurdles, James faced other big challenges. Finding money to run Bayine in a foreign country was tough. He had to convince people that his idea of introducing different sports was worthwhile. Getting locals to volunteer their time was another hurdle. James needed to connect with people and inspire them to join his vision. Another important challenge for foreigners living in Egypt—as James—was that officially setting up an NGO in Egypt is really hard, almost impossible.

Even the main goal, introducing new sports, wasn’t simple. It wasn't just about having equipment and a place to play. James had to get people interested in trying new things and make it work.

A space to belong

Bayine is more than just an after-school program—it’s a space where children feel seen, valued, and inspired. It’s proof that with just a ball, a safe space, and a group of caring people, we can plant seeds of hope, belonging, and possibility in the lives of young refugees. And that’s what makes Bayine not just a sports initiative, but a movement for change.

Image credit: Bayine Sport Activities Instagram