https://www.sportanddev.org/latest/news/world-refugee-day-wbsc-continues...
"These efforts are about building communities, fostering inclusion, and positively impacting the lives of refugees through sport," commented WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.
On World Refugee Day 2025, on 20 June, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is proud to mark the occasion by giving a voice to the parents of the refugee children involved in the Baseball5 project at the Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in Kenya.
Here are some of the participants' amazing stories:
1. Building Focus and Discipline – Andre Elocho’s Story
Alocho Shindano, mother to Andre Elocho, shared how Baseball5 has transformed the daily lives of youth in the community. “There’s no more idling,” she said proudly. “The children are disciplined, they stay active, and they support each other.” She added that Andre has become more focused on his studies and now demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility both at school and at home. Baseball5 has not just improved his athleticism, it has shaped his character.
2. A First Trip to Nairobi – A Life-Changing Experience for Daudi Yeremiah
Jeremia Daudi, father to Daudi Yeremiah, could not hide his joy. “Baseball5 gave my son his first opportunity to travel to Nairobi,” he said, referring to the February competitions. “It was a big moment for him - and for us.” Beyond the exposure, Daudi notes how the sport is helping his son excel in other areas, especially football, because of the quick reflexes and speed Baseball5 develops.
3. Saving a Child from School Dropout – Michael Mlondani’s Journey
Leone Mlondani was deeply concerned that his son, Michael, was on the brink of dropping out of school. That changed when Michael joined the Baseball5 team. “Now, he’s committed to learning and is back on track,” Leone shared. Baseball5 gave Michael purpose, structure, and the motivation to pursue education again.
4. Bringing a Girl Back Home – Esther Kizenga’s New Path
Kizenga Antaunne, mother to Esther Kizenga, recalls a time when her daughter would idle around the community, exposing her to potential risks. “She rarely stayed home,” Kizenga admitted. “But since joining Baseball5, she comes home straight after training. She’s more responsible and safer.” The sport gave Esther a sense of belonging and direction.
5. From Risk to Responsibility – Sadi Lusambya Finds Positive Influence
Lusambya Ngoma, father to Sadi Lusambya, expressed his gratitude for the changes he has witnessed. “My son was in bad company, and I feared he was being lured into drug and substance abuse,” he said. “Now, Baseball5 has surrounded him with disciplined peers and coaches. He has good friends who encourage him to make better choices.”
The Kakuma Refugee Camp project was started in August 2024 - in collaboration with African Higher Education in Emergencies Network (AHEEN) and with the support of Olympic Solidarity - to provide weekly Baseball5 trainings and strengthened education to 60 refugees children boys and girls, 30 in Kakuma and 30 in Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement coached by a Kenyan certified Baseball5 coach and secondary professor, Denis Mitei, and two assistant refugee coaches, one female and one male Susan Nadai and Issa Rhamadhani.
