Written by Cynthia Mukuria, CFK Africa Community Storyteller
For six youth from CFK Africa, Festival 26 in Boston opened the door to a world of new experiences. More than an international football tournament, it was a chance to share their culture, learn from peers across the globe, and bring home lessons that will have a lasting impact on their communities. Along the way, they celebrated a series of firsts: their first time flying, their first time traveling outside Kenya, and their first time connecting in person with young people from other countries.
Our youth detail their Festival 26 highlights below:
Harriet: Finding Confidence
For Harriet, the cultural exchange she experienced throughout the festival was the most memorable. During an evening talent show, CFK Africa’s delegation performed a traditional Luhya dance, with Harriet serving as emcee. Our youth demonstrated how storytelling, music, and celebration are important among Kenya’s more than 40 tribes. Representing Kenya before an international audience boosted Harriet’s confidence, while seeing other countries celebrate their own traditions deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity. Inspired by the experience, she hopes to continue connecting with and educating others through a YouTube channel.
“Representing Kenya is all about accountability and inspiration. It allows me to tell our story from my own perspective and show the world the true strength of Kenya.”
Nehemiah: The Power of Teamwork
Nehemiah’s favourite memories came from playing football and building friendships, including with Abdulahi from France after a simple act of kindness – the sharing of a bottle of water. He was also intrigued by the Boston subway underground. The experience strengthened his communication skills and reminded him that success comes through teamwork. He now hopes to share those lessons with young people in his community.
Farida: Football Brings People Together
For Farida, football became a bridge to new friendships, including one with Malachi from New York. She also learned the value of appreciating every opportunity and making the most of her time. She enjoyed playing on the football pitches – the grass and turf were different from the dirt pitches that she is used to. Back home, she hopes to introduce more young people to Football 3, promoting teamwork, respect and fair play.
Nigel: Dreaming Bigger
Nigel was inspired by seeing young people from different countries unite through sports and culture. He appreciated how kind and open everyone was, both from America and other participating countries. The experience broadened his perspective and motivated him to encourage younger children in his community to dream big and never give up.
“When countries from all around the world came together to exchange cultures and learn each other’s languages, it showed me how connected the world can be.”
Ayuma: Discovering New Possibilities
For Ayuma, exploring Boston was just as memorable as playing football. Seeing landmarks that she had only read about in history class, like a statue of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., made the trip unforgettable. She was also inspired by the support given to girls’ football in the United States and grew in her courage, being willing to speak up on behalf of other CFK delegates when they didn’t feel comfortable. Returning home, Ayuma hopes to share what she learned about different cultures with her teammates and advocate for more resources dedicated to girls’ and women’s sports.
While the matches have ended, the impact of Festival 26 is only beginning in the informal settlement communities CFK serves. Through new friendships, stronger leadership skills, and a renewed sense of purpose, these young delegates have returned home ready to inspire others.
Thank you to all of our donors who made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
***In honor of our 25th anniversary in 2026, this story is #14 of 25 Stories of Change, shared throughout the year and featuring youth and communities whose lives have been transformed by CFK Africa.