The Humanity Hoops Foundation says it is working to take Almajiri children and other vulnerable youth off the streets by providing them with structured activities, mentorship and support aimed at helping them become productive members of society.
The foundation said the initiative is also focused on addressing some of the challenges that expose young people to crime, drug abuse and other social vices, while creating opportunities for them to develop their talents and build better futures.
The initiative was highlighted during a grassroots handball tournament organised by the foundation in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Sports Development, which featured nine teams. Team Combat Zaria emerged winners, while trophies and cash prizes were presented to outstanding teams and participants.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Humanity Hoops Foundation, Yusuf Abubakar, said the programme was conceived to provide children with meaningful engagement while reviving grassroots handball in Kaduna State.
He lamented the decline of sporting competitions in the state, noting that he was informed that Kaduna had not hosted a major handball championship or tournament in the past five or six years.
“This is just an introduction to what we plan to do next year. I have taken interest in helping these children stay off the streets and become better people in society, especially the Almajiri children and other vulnerable kids,” he said.
Abubakar said many children roam the streets without meaningful activities, leaving them vulnerable to criminality, drug abuse and other social problems.
“When children have nothing doing, they end up smoking, stealing, taking drugs and committing crimes. Once you engage them in sporting activities, a lot of crime will reduce. Government cannot do it alone; private individuals must also contribute,” he said.
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