Rwanda

In April 2023, Tennis Without Borders traveled several villages across the country of Rwanda. Some were in or just outside of the country's capital, Kigali. Others were three or more hours away, in more rural areas. 

We also worked with four remote programs/schools using our “STAY AND PLAY” model combining tennis and education (based on our award winning NJTL/National Jr Tennis and Learning) we began in the United States.

We formed a wonderful new partnership with a grassroots program there that will be offering free tennis to all, and we will continue to work together to improve tennis accessibility in Rwanda. We were able to bring over 75 junior rackets, hundreds of balls, shoes, clothes, backpacks, and court equipment. Additionally, we introduced pickleball and left 30 paddles and balls along with basic rules. The junior tennis nets we bring along with makeshift net tape served as a pickleball court as well.

We also did art projects each day which the kids love! We left teachers and children with paints, paper, scissors, and more for kids to continue to be creative at home or at school. Snacks or meals were provided to children each day as well which put a lot of smiles on kids faces.