Berkley Center

Growing up and living in Kibera-Kenya, Abdul Kassim was well aware that women faced a disproportionate amount of challenges due to the extreme gender inequalities that persist in the slums. After being raised by all women and having a daughter himself, he felt that he needed to work to change the current gender climate in Kibera. In 2002, Abdul started a soccer team for teen girls. His hope was to foster a supportive community, providing emotional and mental support for the young women of Kibera. Abdul continually adapted and expanded the program to meet the needs of his girls. Today Abdul's program has become a full tuition free secondary school for over 130 girls living in Kibera slum. The Kibera Girls’ Soccer Academy (KGSA) also has a smaller auxiliary co-ed school and Abdul is planning to build a boarding facility in the next year for KGSA girls that are orphaned or vulnerable.