A Safe Space In Football
Elma, Namibia
Goal Click and UNICEF UK collaborated on a series that highlights the impact that Soccer Aid for UNICEF has on children around the world. In Namibia, the Galz & Goals program uses football as a tool for social development and to prepare Namibia’s girls for a better future. Galz & Goals is a partnership between the Namibia Football Association and UNICEF. It empowers girls aged 10-15 to make healthy choices. Through their engagement in football, girls’ vulnerability to HIV infection, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and alcohol abuse is minimised as they acquire valuable skills and knowledge to make informed life choices both on and off the field of play. Elma, 14, has been part of the program since 2019.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football journey?
My name is Elma and I am 14 years old. I was born in a small town in the south of Namibia. I live with my great-aunt who I call grandma. I discovered my passion for football in 2016 when I started playing on the streets with my friends. I have been part of the Galz & Goals program since 2019. I currently play U15 girls football and play for Athletic Club Football Academy (ACFA). I was introduced to Galz & Goals through the Galz & Goals school league, which is a friendly tournament for schools.
What did you try to capture with your photos? Was there a wider meaning with the photos?
Most of the photos I took were in the streets near my house and in another district of Windhoek. This area is far from my school and home. My football coach always makes his minibus available to transport us, because we usually go there for football practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I took most of the photos during practice matches and showed all my teammates. I tried to always capture my friends when they were playing football.
Why is football so important to you and your community? Why do you think it is important for women and girls to play football?
Football is very important to my community, especially people around my age because it keeps us off the streets and helps us focus more on school. It is important for women and girls to focus on football and be disciplined.
Also, most of my friends do not really have safe spaces to stay so they come to my house to play football. In this way football creates a safe space for them.
What impact has UNICEF and the Galz & Goals program had on you and your community? Why is the Galz & Goals project important to you?
UNICEF and the Galz & Goals program has taught me discipline through football and encourages us to stay off the streets. It helps us achieve both our football and academic goals - and make good decisions that can impact our future lifestyles. Football means the world to me. It has helped me develop in many areas of my everyday life.
What ambitions do you have for the future? What do you think the future looks like for football in your community and country?
My ambitions for the future are to assist and become a helper to people in my community. I think in the future, football will help people in my community and country have a happy life.
