Sixty-four primary schools from Gasabo district yesterday converged at the National police headquarters playgrounds for a football competition which concluded their campaign on Aids awareness which began in early October. 

The competitions were organised by Esther’s Aid, a small grass roots organisation, which aims at protecting youths from health hazards such as HIV/Aids, drug abuse, sexual exploitation, child labour and prostitution.

"Our main aim in organising this tournament for HIV/AIDS awareness was to bring together the youth through sports and educate them about the dangers of AIDS and other things that they ought to know that can help them in order to trim their future,” explained Claire Effiong, the President/International Director of Esther’s Aid. She further said that it was an opportunity to meet the youth and enlighten them on how to become good leaders.

There to grace the competitions was Gaspard Kaijuka in charge of sports in the Ministry of Sports and Culture. He commended the good work being done by Esther’s Aid.

"This is good for the teens for both their health and socialisation. You see, it is not easy to bring together such a big number of teens in a hall and talk to them but it is easy to tell them to come and play and then get a chance to speak to them about AIDS. So this is a good strategy which was used by Esther’s foundation,” commented Kaijuka.

He added that the strategy was good in that it gives the teens a chance to socialise and avoid indulging themselves in bad habits such as drug abuse.

"I think it is good because it has allowed me to meet new people and to also develop my soccer skills,” said Jacques Ntakirutimana who was playing for the second team of ADPER Gatenga.

"It has helped me to interact with other children and learn more about HIV/AIDS. I guess the games have also helped me stay healthy,” Clarisse Uwimana, a player of Eagles Fire girls’ team, observed.

Kacyiru Boys emerged winner in the male category while the Eagles Fire won the girls’ final. Each team  took home a trophy and Rwf 100,000.

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