With support from Genel Energy UK, ACRIF implemented the Goals and Guard: Protecting Students Through Play project across schools in Baligubadle, Salahlay, Sabawanaag, and Odaweyne districts. The initiative combined structured sports activities with child protection measures to promote safer, more inclusive, and supportive school environments.

The project integrated structured sports activities with child protection interventions, using sport as a practical platform to strengthen student safety, wellbeing, and inclusion. By embedding safeguarding measures within school-based sports programs, the initiative created opportunities for children to participate in physical activities while also learning about their rights, personal safety, positive relationships, and available reporting mechanisms.

The project strengthened the capacity of schools to prevent, identify, and respond to child protection concerns, including abuse, neglect, bullying, and other forms of violence. Teachers, coaches, and school staff were supported to promote safer sports environments and ensure that students had clear and trusted channels through which they could raise concerns and seek assistance when needed.

Sports activities also provided an effective space for building confidence, teamwork, resilience, discipline, and positive peer interaction. Particular attention was given to creating inclusive and secure environments where all children could participate meaningfully and feel protected during both learning and recreational activities.

Through the combination of sports and safeguarding interventions, the project contributed to improved student attendance, increased awareness of children’s rights and protection responsibilities, and strengthened school-based reporting and referral mechanisms. The initiative demonstrated how structured sports can promote physical wellbeing while reinforcing child protection systems and creating safer, more supportive learning environments for children.