Thank You, USI, for Changing Basketball in Rubavu

We, as coaches working at the Rubavu site, take this opportunity to express our appreciation for the support USI has provided throughout the time we have worked together in the program. USI has been very close to us and have helped improve the talent and quality of Rwandan youth through the game of basketball. To cut the story short, we have used the USI program in the following ways:

• To promote USI core values among the youth, including unity, teamwork, building trust, communication, and fair play. All of these have raised awareness among the youth we train, especially in their schools and homes.

• Promoting and introducing the game of basketball in the community.

• Developing children’s talents in basketball, which helps them perform better in their studies. With the help of USI, some of the kids have improved their academic achievement at school, allowing them to attend school free of charge until they finish high school.

• Collaborating with parents to strengthen children’s behavior, especially during holiday camps, where they participate in many different activities that keep them away from bad habits and help build discipline and unity through these principles.

We cannot talk about the importance of USI programming for the kids without mentioning us—the coaches—who have also benefited greatly, including:

• Gaining professional experience in training and educating children and youth.

• Receiving different trainings that have enabled us to develop diverse skills in the game of basketball.

• Building fellowship and deep friendships with other coaches working at different sites across the country.

• Being provided with necessary training facilities, including equipment (balls, nets, cones, etc.), facilitation fees, and bonuses that have supported us in our daily lives.

With all that being said, we would like to thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.

Mvuyekure Haruna - Rubavu Head Coach