I Can’t Believe We’re Doing This… AGAIN!

A few days ago, my friend Lucky Nyabera Mwale hit me up with one of those wild-but-worth-it ideas. He had a bone to pick—rightfully so—about how our community work at Forezava, especially around youth and sports, seemed to always favor the kids who could run fast or kick hard. And honestly? He had a point.

A Bit of Background...

As a kid, sports were my escape. Mostly soccer, and for good reason. You see, I had this diminutive body structure—a polite way of saying I was that tiny kid who got pushed over, ignored, or just outright sidelined. But on the pitch? On the pitch, I could speak. I could throw meaning into a game. It was the one space I felt like myself. If life had aligned a little differently—say, if I had someone to buy me boots or a proper ball—I’d probably be gearing up for my 4th or 5th AFCON appearance with the Harambee Stars. But hey, who’s counting?

Now Fast Forward to Yesterday…

Lucky—yes, the same passionate guy who now works with kids at Magadi Primary School in Kisumu—extended an invite. The idea? A first-of-its-kind indoor games day for the kids. Think chess, arts, even a creative beauty contest! Finally, a platform for those who might not shine on the pitch but have a whole world of genius to share.

And let me tell you—it was absolutely electric.

Meet Max: A Young Master in the Making

During the day, I met a kid I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. Max. He’s like the younger version of me—but with a chessboard instead of a ball. We played four games. I won three. We drew one. But even in defeat, this young mind was hungry. The way he soaked in every move, questioned every strategy—it was like watching a genius being born in real time. The moment he asked for coaching, I knew we had to step up.

Now, if you’re reading this and happen to know my friend Shekkinah (an equally obsessed chess lover), please tell her we need her on this. Like yesterday.

Bigger Picture: Not Every Kid Will Play Ball

That’s the lesson. We’ve spent too long building platforms only for the “athletically gifted.” What about the Maxs of this world? What about the quiet thinkers, the artists, the introverts, the kids whose bodies might not scream “MVP” but whose minds are fireworks?

To Lucky—thank you. For the idea, the partnership, and for constantly showing up for the kids. And to Teach For Kenya, I hope this marks the beginning of more platforms, more voices, and more inclusive creativity.

Because every child deserves their moment.

I rest.

About Author: Kevin Makova

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