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Galz &
Goals
Since it was founded in 2008, the Galz & Goals program has used football as a tool for social development and to prepare Namibia’s girls for a better future. Galz & Goals is a partnership between the Namibia Football Association and UNICEF. It empowers girls aged 10-15 to make healthy choices. Through their engagement in football, girls’ vulnerability to HIV infection, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and alcohol abuse is minimised as they acquire valuable skills and knowledge to make informed life choices both on and off the field of play.
Elma
“Football means the world to me. I think in the future, football will help people in my community and country have a happy life.”
My name is Elma and I am 14 years old. I was born in a small town in the south of Namibia. I discovered my passion for football in 2016 when I started playing on the streets with my friends. I have been part of the Galz & Goals program since 2019.
![](https://www.socceraid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RS206011_UNICEF-Namibia-Elma-F146-768x513.jpg)
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Hannie
“I now believe that I can achieve my dreams of becoming an international football player.”
My name is Hannie and I am 12 years old. I am from the beautiful capital city of Namibia, Windhoek. Football has been a rollercoaster for me because I had to watch my nephews play football all the time and could not play. After joining the Galz & Goals program I can now also enjoy playing soccer, including playing with my nephews.
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Isabella
“I believe soccer has been a mechanism which stood between us and the streets. I am so glad I chose this path.”
My name is Isabella, I am 19 years old. I was born and raised in Windhoek, Namibia. I am currently in my second year of a three year degree. I have been involved with the Galz & Goals program since the age of 11, meaning that my involvement in the program has been for eight years.
![](https://www.socceraid.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/RS205980_UNICEF-Namibia-Isabella-A10-768x513.jpg)
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Tjiua
“I wanted to capture the good moments we share as a team. The good laughter and good vibe we share.”
My name is Tijua. I am 15 years of age and from Windhoek, Namibia. UNICEF and the Galz & Goals program gave me hope in pursuing my dream in football. They keep a lot of girls off the streets and help them realise that football can be played by anyone, whether you are a boy or a girl.
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