At The Atlas Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of rugby to create lasting change in the lives of children. One incredible story from Mombasa, Kenya, highlights how rugby is not just a sport but a lifeline—a source of hope, resilience, and opportunity for a young girl named Salome Harrison. Otherwise known as “Slow Mo” by her friends (because she is so quick!).
Salome’s Journey: Finding Strength Through Little Sports
Salome Harrison, a 15-year-old student from Shimo la Tewa Primary School, has faced challenges that most people could never imagine. Her life took a heartbreaking turn when she lost her father at the age of 10 in a tragic drowning accident at the beach. With her father gone, her mother struggled to care for her and eventually remarried. But instead of stability, the new household brought greater hardship. Her stepfather was unable or unwilling to provide for Salma, leaving her without school fees or proper care.
Desperate for a better life, Salome made the courageous decision to run away and seek refuge with her aunt and uncle. Despite their own struggles, working tirelessly day and night to make ends meet, they took Salma in and gave her a chance at a new beginning. However, the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future were always present.
It was at this critical juncture that Little Sports Organisation (LSO), one of The Atlas Foundation’s Project Partners, arrived at her school and introduced rugby. For Salma, this wasn’t just a new sport; it was a lifeline.
Rugby became a sanctuary for Salome, a place where she could channel her energy, build friendships, and find joy amidst adversity. Through her dedication and the opportunities provided by LSO, Salome earned a full scholarship to one of Kenya’s best rugby schools. She has also been invited to try out for the Kenyan U18 National Team for 2026—an extraordinary achievement that she never imagined possible.
While I’ve been at school, Little Sports Organisation came to the school and started doing sports. I was happy to join and play rugby, and I have visited many places to play rugby with LSO. The club has helped me with a lot of things like food, clothes, and books.
Salome’s Story in Her Own Words
My name is Salma Harrison I am 15 years old. I am a student from Shimo la Tewa primary school in Mombasa and I play Rugby with Little Sports.
I live with my aunty and my uncle supports her to look after me. I lost my father when I was 10, he drowned at the beach and after that, my mother could not look after me. Then she married again to a man who could not pay school fees or look after me so I ran away to my aunty. My uncle and aunty work day to night to bring food and live a better life. I am proud of them for taking care of me.
While I’ve been at school, Little Sports organisation came to the school and started doing sports. I was happy to join and play Rugby and I have visited many places to play rugby with LSO. The club has helped me with a lot of things like food, clothes and books. This club has made me a super-star and I have been given a full scholarship to a national boarding school, one of the best rugby schools in Kenya, and I have been invited to try out for the Kenyan U18 National team for 2026.
I thank LSO for bringing good for me and my family. Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t. I love this organization so much, God bless LSO.
The Atlas Foundation’s Role
The Atlas Foundation is proud to support initiatives like Little Sports Organisation in Kenya. Programmes like LSO exemplify our mission: using the values of rugby to tackle poverty, promote education, and create safe spaces for children to thrive.
Through our global partnerships, we provide resources, mentorship, and a sense of community to children like Salome. Her story reminds us of the profound impact that small actions—a meal, a jersey, a word of encouragement—can have on a child’s life.
How You Can Help
The work of The Atlas Foundation and its partners wouldn’t be possible without the support of people like you. By donating, volunteering, or spreading the word, you can help children like Salome continue to dream, grow, and achieve.
Together, we can build a brighter future, one child and one rugby ball at a time.
“This club has made me a super-star. I thank LSO for bringing good for me and my family. Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t. I love this organisation so much. God bless LSO.”
