Inspire Us Dadaab

Why Football Matters :
A Lifeline

In Dadaab, football is more than a game—it’s a way of life. It brings people together, gives young athletes purpose, and creates hope in tough times.

• 🏆 Many talented athletes go unnoticed, playing without proper gear—sometimes even barefoot.
• 💡 Football gives young people something to look forward to, keeping them away from negative influences.
• 🤝Thousands of spectators come together to enjoy big games like the Inspire Us CAN Cup Final!

Sports bring hope, unity, and strength to Dadaab. With this project, we aim to make that impact even bigger.

Dadaab Refugee Camp

Dadaab is the largest refugee camp in Africa located in North East Kenya. More than 450,000 people live in this camp today. Most of these people left their homes because of war.

In Dadaab, life can be very difficult. People cannot leave easily, and many feel stuck because there are not many jobs or opportunities. Even though life is tough, the people there remain strong, brave, and hopeful. That’s why we want to help.

How This Project Creates a Positive Impact

• ✅ Sports Development – Giving young athletes proper gear so they can play safely and at their best.
• ✅ Girls' Inclusion in Sports – Hosting a special volleyball match to support and encourage girls in sports.
• ✅ Community Engagement – Bringing thousands of people together to cheer, celebrate, and enjoy the event.
• ✅ Economic Support – Creating over 50 short-term jobs for referees, organizers, and event staff.
• ✅ Inspiration & Mentorship – Sharing stories of hope through podcast interviews with athletes and community leaders.
• ✅ Building a Lasting Connection – This is just the start of long-term projects to support Dadaab’s youth.

This project brings joy, opportunity, and recognition to Dadaab—showing that hope can thrive, even in the hardest places.

Meet the Team
Inspire Us (Alex & Dara)

We are Alex & Dara, young economists and hosts of the Inspire Us Podcast. We’ve interviewed world-class academics, business leaders, and athletes, but one of our most inspiring conversations was with our friend Abdullahi Shafi Mohamed—who grew up in Dadaab.

Abdulahi is at the heart of this project. He advises and guides us every step of the way, ensuring our work is impactful, respectful, and meaningful for Dadaab. Without him, this project wouldn’t be possible.

Team at large
Abdulahi Shafi Mohammed

Born during Somalia’s civil war, Abdulahi became a refugee at a young age and arrived in Dadaab around age 10. There, he first learned to read and write and discovered how critical education could be for his future. Overcoming immense challenges, he excelled academically and earned a prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study a Master’s in Development Studies at the University of London.

With over 6 years of experience in Africa (Kenya, Niger, Somalia) focused on development and humanitarian work, Abdulahi now works at UNICEF. He is passionate about giving back to Dadaab, mentoring others, and showcasing the immense potential of the camp’s youth.

Our partner
Community Aid Network (CAN)

Our key partner is the Community Aid Network (CAN)—a refugee-led, registered organization in Dadaab that has been running projects in education, peacebuilding, and sports for years. We have been working closely with the Director of CAN, Mohamed Othawa who is excited make this project come to life:

“This effort will undoubtedly foster empowerment, hope, and growth within the community”

CAN will be organizing the 32-team tournament, handling logistics, mobilizing referees, setting up the fields, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Their experience makes this event possible.

Their experience makes this event possible and we are proud to work alongside CAN to bring sports, hope, and opportunity to Dadaab!