Restoration Through Sports: A Successful Tournament Campaign at Engaruka Village

Engaruka, Monduli District – May 20–24, 2025

From May 20th to 24th, 2025, the vibrant village of Engaruka in Monduli District came alive with excitement, energy, and purpose as it hosted a unique and impactful Restoration Sports Tournament Campaign. The event was spearheaded by MVIWAARUSHA in collaboration with JUSTDIGGIT, TRIAS, and the District Government of Monduli, blending sports and environmental awareness in a powerful community initiative.

The tournament featured football matches among youth teams from Irerendeni, Oldonyo Lengai, Engaruka Chini, and Engaruka Juu. Each match drew crowds of over 2,000 enthusiastic spectators daily, transforming Engaruka into a hub of celebration and environmental advocacy.

Amidst the cheers and chants on the football field, the evenings brought a different kind of engagement — movie road shows showcasing various land restoration techniques and approaches. These educational sessions helped raise awareness among community members, particularly the youth, about the importance and methods of restoring degraded landscapes.

The football action culminated in an exhilarating final where Irerendeni emerged as the tournament champions, winning not just on the field but also in community spirit and environmental advocacy.

The final day of the campaign was marked by the presence of key partners and stakeholders, including representatives from Lead Foundation, JUSTDIGGIT, TRIAS, and the Monduli District Government. These partners also had the opportunity to visit and witness firsthand the ongoing land restoration efforts at Engaruka Juu, seeing the tangible results of collaborative community action.

This campaign stands as a strong testament to the belief that “restoration through football” is not just a slogan, but a powerful, innovative approach to engaging communities and inspiring action. It successfully combined sports, education, and environmental stewardship in a way that was both inclusive and impactful.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners whose support and collaboration made this campaign a success. Together, we are not only restoring land — we are restoring hope, purpose, and unity in our communities.