The new Franciscan mission in Matanomane, a rural stretch of Kilifi County in Kenya’s coastal region, sits quietly at the edges of society’s radar. Here, in a semi-arid landscape, young people grow up with few role models and almost no access to moral or spiritual guidance. 

A generation adrift

When Friars Innocent Uwimana and Festus arrived, they encountered a generation adrift. Many have never set foot in a church. School dropouts are common. Drugs and toxic influences fill the void left by idleness and a lack of purpose.  Girls leave school far too early—carrying children before they’ve had a chance to carry their own dreams.

It’s a place where too many dreams go quiet, and where too few voices ever tell a child they matter.

The barren field before construction.

Some photos during construction.

So the friars asked a simple question: What would it take to get these kids to church?

The answer came in the form of a $11,000 project: a combined basketball and volleyball court, open to all.

The courts are open, and youth are showing up

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, construction is complete. The basketball and volleyball courts are painted, the chain-link fence protects the space, and balls are in play. Brand new green and blue jerseys are worn with pride. And most importantly, the youth are showing up.  

The youth come to play, but they stay because someone listens. And in that listening, the friars begin the slow, beautiful work of healing. 

Because the facility is low-maintenance, the friars and local community are committed to caring for it together. The church grounds are no longer just a place of worship—they are now a place of movement, friendship, and purpose.  

It’s where young girls can reclaim their childhoods with a volleyball serve, and young boys can run without running from something.

Some photos after construction.

What difference does a court make?

It means fewer children spending nights at drug dens. Fewer young girls disappearing from classrooms. More laughter, more teams, more conversation. More reason to stay rooted to a place, a people, a faith.

Thanks to your generosity, the friars are bringing the Gospel alive in a place that needs it most—not just in word, but in play.