Playing for good health!

Kulea volunteers had a great time Saturday, attending the African Health Cup 2013 in Lowell, MA.We met many people, had perfect weather, enjoyed African music, exciting soccer matches and of course, vendors selling African food, crafts, etc.  It was exciting just to be present and network with so many people. One of our volunteers for the day, SaRah LeBlanc, said she felt a little like she was back in Tanzania!

The Health Cup, an annual soccer tournament, is held to increase HIV prevention and education to African refugees and immigrants living in Massachusetts. It is organized by AFIA, Africans for Improved Access, part of the Multicultural AIDS Coalition. www.mac-boston.org

At the event, free onsite rapid HIV testing was available as well as other screenings for things such as diabetes.  Between the games, speakers addressed the players and spectators, sharing knowledge and testimonies from those living with HIV.
We enjoyed meeting Delfine Masongo, keynote speaker for the day. She is passionate about this work and is able to break down barriers and reach young people with her message. Delfine works as a peer advocate for AIDS Action, www.aac.org.

We met people interested in traveling with Kulea and the Head Men's Soccer Coach from Roxbury Community College, MA, Joseph Ashley, stopped by to visit. He offered to come with us to Tanzania or Kenya and teach soccer for a week to community youth.

We are looking forward to another community event this week in Exeter, NH -- a yard sale, benefiting Kulea! Join us if you can, at Exeter United Methodist Church, 307 Epping Road.  Friday 7/19 from 3pm - 7pm and Saturday, 7/20 from 8am - 1pm.  http://www.exeterumc.org/

It's a privilege to meet new people and share the Kulea mission with them. We continue to pray for God to open up the hearts of people because if everyone helps a little, we can make a big difference for orphans and vulnerable children in East Africa! Truly, it takes a village!