THE movement SERIESWelcome to The Movement Series! We like to think of this as the heart of Oona’s digital platform. One that is full of love, connection, education and social enterprise. Move for unity. Move for change. It all starts here. TMS was first dreamed up in 2020, a year that not only brought the world to a grinding halt, but one that has also heightened the immense pressure and crisis for vulnerable communities and marginalised groups. At Oona Series, we are incredibly fortunate to have a global following across multiple channels, and it therefore felt more important than ever before to use this platform to empower, educate and support causes we believe in. The role of movement in our lives cannot be underestimated, and it is our hope that TMS initiatives can offer a safe space to our Oona Series community, as well as opportunities to learn, or unlearn, listen and discuss important topics and issues. One of the upsides to modern technology is that so many of us can now connect and collaborate regardless of where we live in the world… So why not make the most of this opportunity and strive to create positive change? We’ve had the absolute pleasure of supporting a number of incredible charities and causes through TMS events thus far, including: The Advocacy Academy, Women for Refugee Women, Oxfam, Coppafeel and Kids Out/Kids In. Stay tuned for our upcoming Movement Series event, featuring our first partnership of 2021 with Alive and Kicking (Charity No: 1105583). We can’t wait to introduce them to you. What’s the connection between a more accessible society and a sports ball?ALIVE AND KICKING It is an honour to be supporting Alive and Kicking as our first charity partner of 2021. You can expect a number of exciting opportunities to join forces with this innovative organisation over the coming months, all in the name of ethical employment, sport and education. For now, settle in for a chat with Boniface and Alive and Kicking’s CEO Ben Sadler and learn the backstory of how this partnership came about. A more successful society “Over 85% of our staff have paid for their kids to attend school for the first time…It’s these things that add to that idea of being able to access society.” BEN SADLER Set up in 2004, Alive and Kicking empowers individuals to impact the lives and livelihoods of those around them. How? By producing footballs, for a start! The idea to manufacture footballs (or soccer balls, for any of our readers outside of the UK and Europe) was stumbled upon by accident. Ben describes a British teacher based in Kenya, who at the time, noticed that the donated balls arriving from England would barely last a week on the tough pitches of Nairobi. The possibility of producing a stronger, high-quality ball soon became the perfect opportunity to increase employment in the region for adults and vulnerable youth groups. Over the years, these production centres in the sub-Saharan region have grown through relationships with local organisations. Today, Alive and Kicking employs over 100 individuals, many of whom are navigating a disability, or have never been to school or experienced formal employment. What follows is nothing short of life-changing. The experience of consistent employment creates greater security at home, financial independence, access to healthcare and even the tools to start or return to formal education. What’s even more impressive about this process is the quality and sustainable nature of their production. Each ball is handmade and created from locally sourced materials, such as up-cycled leather. Old airline chairs and car seats are transformed, creating a football that lasts eight times longer than the standard commercial version, whilst still meeting professional standards. Learning through play “Making the ball creates the jobs…We sell the balls and we use the income to provide young people access to sport and health education.” BEN SADLER One of our favourite things about Alive and Kicking’s approach is its commitment to thorough research, and it is this practise that has brought about one of the organisation’s most important developments: Mental Health awareness. Along the way, Ben saw the common themes surfacing from discussions with Alive and Kicking’s staff members around Kenya, who were experiencing improvements in their wellbeing through their employment. Mental health was fast becoming a topic of interest for both adults and children in the community. Today, the organisation empowers over 250 health and sports coaches to incorporate Mental Health education, as well as HIV and Malaria awareness into their football training sessions. Within these volunteer-run classes, young people between the ages of 9-18 are introduced to the universality of mental health through play and games. Physical exercises and drills with balls here become a means to unite the mind and body and introduce concepts like ‘changing mood’ and ‘connection to others.’ Kicking through the pandemicThe experience of playing sport in a team environment has been heavily impacted by COVID-19. But as with every great organisation, Alive and Kicking has risen to the challenge by providing digital resources for young people. New modules are now being delivered across the globe to provide players the opportunity to participate from home, or in small groups for areas where restrictions have loosened. The wheels are also in motion to create hundreds of new ‘ball libraries’ across the UK, which will allow young men and women to access Alive and Kicking footballs in their local community. What’s more, Ben Sadler has kindly recorded three short modules in Alive and Kicking’s signature style, exclusively for the Oona Series community. These are a great introduction to Mental Health-education for any kids or teenagers in your life, delivered through easy-to-follow football exercises. You can check them out hereGET INVOLVEDThere are many ways to join us in supporting Alive and Kicking over the coming months. Our top recommendations? Play ball. Purchase your own Alive and Kicking football here 100% of these profits help the organisation continue its important work. Purchase your football here Check out the full podcast episode and/or the 3 mini modules We guarantee Ben and Boniface will have you feeling inspired. Check out the full podcast May 13th on the OONA Channel! Make a donation to Alive and Kicking via their website. Every little bit counts. Make a donation here Reach out Encourage your local football club or school to purchase their sports equipment from Alive and Kicking… the only non-profit ball producer in the world. Get in touch here Follow and share! Show the charity some love at @weareakuk to support their outreach and stay up-to-date on their latest projects. Follow us here TRY OONAGET READY to PLIÉ We know Oona will change the way you move through life, but don’t take our word for it: Sign up for 30 days to try our classes for yourself. Cancel anytime, no questions asked. TRY OONA
