When REE builds an outdoor basketball court at a rural school, it is typically called a “playground.” Though Rwandans seem to use that term differently than Americans do, it’s appropriate in a literal sense because the courts are used for “play” in so many forms. Besides of course competitive team sports, they host everything from PE games to youth activities on Sunday afternoon to neighborhood kids kicking around anything they can find until sunset. In blazing sun or in the dark, people of all ages and walks of life play on the courts.
Installing slabs of concrete that enable people to come together so joyfully, in communities with few store-bought things for play, is hands down the happiest thing REE does.
Volleyball on GS Gitabage's court, completed in 2021.
More basketball shoes always needed!
Soccer balls are often made of plastice bags and string
Feb.2023--first pickleball ever played in Rwanda?
Court at GS Gasaka finished in 2019
ES Gasiza volleyball
...and NOW.
Rulindo sitball team is ranked 6th in the nation!
ES Gasiza sports court until 2016....
Since 2016, REE has built 6 basketball/volleyball courts and every year donates as many jerseys, shoes, balls, nets, baskets, pumps, etc. as we can get to each of our eight school partners.
REE brought pickleball and badminton to Rulindo for the first time in 2023, and ES Gasiza coach Erneste Nizeyimana has become a member of Rwandan Badminton Federation. He now helps students at other Rulindo schools learn both sports and on weekends coaches a team of competitive badminton players with physical disabilities.
“Gym tonic” ( cardio-movement to pop music) is popular on weekends.
Soccer flourishes at all skill levels, and we constantly collect more soccer balls and uniforms to distribute.
Sports and general play enormously boost mental and physical health for students; REE works to give as many kids as possible a chance to participate.
