Stories
From Local Coach To Global Referee: Bilal’s Story
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How Hafeeza Sparked Joy in Learning
In Makli, Pakistan, teacher Hafeeza used play-based learning from Right To Play’s Roshan Rastay program to transform her classroom. Once disengaged, her students now learn with joy and confidence, attend school regularly, and dream of brighter futures. Hafeeza’s success is inspiring other teachers to reshape education across Pakistan.
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From Barriers to Bright Futures: Minervina's Story
Minervina, a teacher in Mozambique, transformed her classroom using play-based and gender-inclusive teaching methods learned through Right To Play. Her approach created a safe, engaging environment that stopped student dropouts especially among girls and boosted school performance. Now a mentor, Minervina is inspiring other teachers and changing her entire community, proving how one dedicated teacher can make a lasting difference.
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Lessons for Life: Helena and Luís Empower Students
Students in Namaacha, Mozambique used to have little access to sexual and reproductive health education, and lessons were limited and stigmatized. After teachers Helena and Luís received a training by Right To Play, they began integrating topics like puberty, consent, HIV, and pregnancy prevention into their lessons using games, stories, and interactive activities. Today, students are more confident, curious, and informed—early pregnancies have dropped, classroom discussions are open, and young people are learning life skills that will stay with them forever.
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How Zoe and Miguel Became Sexual Health Advocates
Zoe and Miguel grew up in Namaacha, Mozambique without reliable sexual health education—facing silence, stigma, and the risks of early pregnancy and disease. Then the SHARE program arrived, using play to break down taboos and open honest conversations. Today, Zoe speaks out with confidence and Miguel educates his peers, showing how teens can become advocates when given the knowledge and support they deserve.
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From Player to Pioneer: How Asia Is Breaking Barriers for Girls in Pakistan
Asia is the Assistant Director of Sports at the Mardan Board in Pakistan, where she oversees programs across three districts and mentors dozens of young female athletes—many of whom have gone on to win medals nationally and internationally. But her journey was far from easy. Once doubted for taking on a role traditionally reserved for men, Asia drew on the skills she first gained as a Right To Play Coach to prove her critics wrong. Through years of coaching, she not only convinced families to let their daughters play but also showed communities how sport builds confidence, resilience, and opportunity. Today, she is breaking barriers for girls in Pakistan and creating a future where every girl has the chance to play, lead, and succeed.
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Transforming Attitudes Towards Gender and Health: Ruth’s Story
Ruth’s Ugandan classroom was once divided by gender norms. Through the SHARE program, she learned how to break down barriers and taboos, make learning inclusive and fun, and integrate sexual and reproductive health topics into her lessons. The change in her classroom is also happening in the community, contributing to stronger bonds between parents and children and more support for education.
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From Fighter to Coach: How Franck Inspires Youth
Franck is a respected Coach, entrepreneur, and community leader in Maramvya, Burundi. He runs the Maramvya Youth Football Club, a community-owned team that brings together young people from different backgrounds to play, learn, and grow. But Franck’s path wasn’t always one of peace. In post-war Burundi, he was once part of a violent political youth group that targeted those with opposing views. His turning point came when he became a coach through Right To Play’s Amahoro and Twabinire peacebuilding projects. There, he learned to use play to teach empathy, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. That experience transformed him from a divider into a unifying force. Today, he continues to apply those tools to create safe spaces where young people can grow into leaders and peacebuilders.
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From Scavenging Balls to Building Futures: Daniel’s Story
What began as a child’s fascination with play became a lifelong mission. Right To Play alumnus Daniel Oguzu now mentors children in Uganda using the same games that helped him escape poverty and discover his potential. His journey from program participant to staff member proves play’s power to create lasting change.
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