As part of our commitment to strengthening the capacity of partner organisations, Sonke is working closely with three organisations in the Soweto and Alexandra townships of Johannesburg to host a series of soccer tournaments that are accompanied by Sonke trainings. The aims of this work are to increase their skills and scope in working with men and boys on gender equality and HIV and AIDS. The project is funded by Oxfam GB and has been running since 2007.
Sonke is currently (2011/2012) running a Street Soccer tournament with each organisation. Training programme have been developed for working with the participating soccer teams. At least seven teams of seven players take part, and the public receive educational and awareness materials at the event. Influential figures, health care providers, community leaders and others are invited to attend the tournaments and address the players and the public on a variety of issues.
Over the period, we work with the partners to coordinate events and other smaller projects like mural painting, building their capacity to independently undertake such projects in the future.
