International Partnerships

Partnership with Diocese of Mumias

In August 2023, Project Touchline initiated a new partnership with the ACK Diocese of Mumias in Western Kenya. This collaboration was formalised with online training sessions for 20 school chaplains preparing for the program’s launch. 

Program Launch and Activities

The program was officially launched on February 20, 2024, at St Stephen’s, Kamashia School in Mumias. It is based on the same sports ministry model developed in schools and churches in England and Wales, adapted to the local context in Kenya. Key activities include:
  • Collective Worship: Sessions designed to foster Christian spirituality.
  • Rugby-Based Games: Engaging schoolchildren through sports to teach values.
  • Prayer and Spiritual Development: Incorporating prayer to reinforce faith.

The program promotes Christian values such as respect, trust, perseverance, and love, using sports as a practical medium to demonstrate these principles. Bishop Joseph Wandera of the Diocese of Mumias has described this partnership as prophetic, indicating its potential for broader impact.

Funding and Equipment

The financial support for the Mumias project came from All Saints’ Church, Bisley, Gloucestershire, which underscores the international dimension of the initiative. The donated equipment, including rugby balls printed with the Diocese of Mumias logo, ensures that schools have the necessary resources to implement the program effectively. Additional training sessions, including filming and sharing training videos, were given in January 2024, enhancing the program’s reach and impact.

Impact and Scope

With an estimated 100,000 children in the Diocese of Mumias, the program aims to engage a significant portion of the school population, offering a mission opportunity to integrate faith and sports. The initiative is seen as having worldwide potential, given its successful model and the enthusiastic response from local stakeholders.

Conclusion

Project Touchline’s work in Mumias, Kenya, represents a unique blend of sports and faith, aiming to nurture Christian values among schoolchildren through engaging and practical activities. The partnership with the ACK Diocese of Mumias, supported by international funding, highlights the global reach and collaborative nature of the initiative, with potential for further expansion and impact.