There is a pandemic of anxiety among our youth today.
Here’s what we’re doing about it. 

At the age of 14, Spiro Kajusa loved videos. He would edit soccer videos and also watched lots on You Tube. He also created short video projects that helped his grades at school. Spiro joined Umoja Community Mosaic at an early age when it was called Soccer Without Boundaries. He was only six, and for the past 15 years he has completed thousands of volunteer hours of service. A consulting project with a top soccer coach allowed him access to more expensive video equipment. Spiro is currently finishing his degree at Athabasca University with a major in Computer Information Systems, and is interested in the burgeoning field of Cyber Security. He's also doing paid engagements for his video creation and editing work. Completion of a full length documentary film shows his desire to strive for new horizons. Spiro has a great work ethic, is a natural leader and has a big personality that is balanced by a sincere caring for others. His mission is to make the world a better place, and his faith is a strong anchor for doing just that. As a graduate of The 5 Fundamentals Experience and the KICKON Leadership Training Program, Spiro says:, "These KICKON programs absolutely changed my life".

When we first met Ibrahim, he appeared to be a quiet, well-mannered young man who volunteered often at Umoja's summer soccer camps. He then graduated from the KICKON 5 Day Experience and was selected for our five month Leadership Training Program, which he also completed. As he finished his last year in High School, "Ibra" had developed a keen interest in entrepreneurship and wanted to learn more. Knowing that you need some seed capital to start any entrepreneurial venture he set a goal to raise $10,000 in five months. Now this was a big goal, as he was attending school five days a week, studying for exams and volunteering when asked. However, Ibra quietly focused on studying finance and how to manage money. Instead of always spending what he earned during short-term, part-time jobs, he decided to really stretch and visualized having $10,000 in his new savings account that he'd set up at a local bank. Ibra somehow managed to acquire two part-time jobs, one mostly on weekends and the other in the evenings. He was averaging four hours sleep at night, getting up early to study and do household chores. At our last session of the KICKON Leadership Training Program, Ibrahim, with a smile of satisfaction, announced proudly that he now had more than $10,000 cash in that savings account. Ibrahim has learned when you have a strong WHY, plus consistent focused action, you can really surprise yourself by what you can accomplish.

Ebenezer was born in South Africa and arrived in Canada when he was eight years old. He and his family began their new life in a social housing community in Calgary. It wasn't long before Ebenezer joined the Umoja soccer community. Fast forward to a 16-year-old who had enjoyed completing the six-month KICKON pilot program that taught him essential life skills and gave him a glimpse into what a successful future could look like. He had always shown leadership potential due to a strong outgoing personality. Salesmanship as well. Here's an example. Ebenezer joined the small KICKON Business Team to help raise funds at the Umoja Summer Barbecue. He demonstrated a desire to raise more funds than anyone else during a raffle for prizes donated by local retailers. The result? He sold $365 worth of tickets in two hours! He thrived after high school, too. Along with his brother Gideon, his big dream was to obtain a four year full-ride football scholarship at one of the best American colleges. He ended up with more than ten offers. Currently, he is entering his third year and has elevated his dream to playing pro in the National Football League. Ebenezer’s drive, self-belief, and resilience to keep going and not give up have already taken him a long way. Having Gideon alongside is also a special bonus. And they have not forgotten those formative years. When home on vacation, they both like to reconnect with the youth at Umoja. Their stories have inspired many, including parents, as they share the lessons they have learned that started them on their fascinating journey.

In 2013, a six year old Afghan boy, Mohammad Janturkmani, was experiencing a major disruption in his young life. A war that seemed to be never ending was escalating. The Taliban, had increased their bombing attacks and Mo’s family decided they had to get out of the country immediately. They eventually were able to immigrate to Canada. Like millions of other youngsters, Mo, loves soccer. It wasn’t long before he learned about Soccer Without Boundaries, now renamed Umoja Community Mosaic. The local Canadian charity warmly invited him to join their soccer program and soon learned that Mo not only loved the sport but was also quite talented. Today Mo has embraced all of the opportunities to enhance his skills and has played for the Foothills FC team, known as one of the top amateur clubs in the city. He is now on the Umoja Under 19 team. After taking a required refereeing course, he is earning money by refereeing a couple of games each week. A part-time job at a major retail store has helped him to become more independent. Mo is a smart, ambitious young man and recently graduated from our KICKON 5 Day Experience. His positive attitude and willingness to be of service in the community is notable, too. The next goal was to pass his driving test; duly completed. At 17, he will complete his high school diploma at Earnest Manning High School and then apply at Mount Royal University where he is hoping to secure a residency position. His personal drive to succeed is inspiring. Coupled with a high level of determination there’s no doubt Mo has a bright future ahead of him. His financial frugality and ability to save money will be a habit that will also pay off handsomely down the road.