Coach Big Eyes Writes!

My name is Elijah Kolisang from Kimberley. In my community I am known as Kutlwanong – Club 2000 aka Jeppes Town.

I joined Grassroot Soccer in December 2007 because I was young and aware of challenges that young people are faced with daily like teenage pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, sex at an early age, older partners, sex for stuff etc. GRS is one of those unique NGOs because we use soccer in the fight against HIV. Stigma and discrimination causes people living with HIV to feel alone and helpless, and as an advocate speaking for those who can't speak for themselves I teach people that we need to support people living with HIV, and that they are not bad people. The most significant stories that participants share with coaches, and coaches also do the same, builds that personal connection with participants. Even the Bulawayo study shows that children are less likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior not because they use information that they have gained, but because they have built personal connections with an adult.

Grassroot Soccer is a community based NGO that mobilizes community members, schools, teams, and safe homes so we can fight HIV by minimizing the spread of HIV in South Africa. To me being part of the GRS Kimberly team makes me proud to see the work done by coaches. What I enjoy the most is to deliver practices in the community. GRS takes us as coaches very seriously because jobs done by coaches are vitally essential. Kids love us, they get excited to see our yellow t-­‐shirts. I also like to see them having fun and learning, and I enjoy using the SKILLZ guide to run activities. I want to thank the community of Galeshewe, it really shows that an HIV free generation is possible because HIV affects us all, so it's our responsibility to take care of ourselves and the community. Divided we fall together we can achieve more.