Sakina's Dream

My name is Sakina, I am 17 years old, I dream and live tennis. Playing tennis in America has always been one of my greatest ambitions. With my background, it could never be possible, but you know? I think that God has lined up wonderful and caring people who will help me achieve this dream.

I started playing tennis when I was about 7. I would follow my dad from the slums of Bujumbura where we lived, to the tennis courts where he worked as a hitter. Club members started to notice me and one day, I was invited to a tournament with the winners playing outside Burundi. I won and was soon playing in East Africa.

I did well and got a scholarship to the ITF Centre in Pretoria Jo’burg. I stayed for three years but then the scholarship ended. It was difficult coming home as our school system was very different from South Africa. I never had the chance to complete my schooling as I could only get into a private school and we couldn’t afford the fees. I tried to pay my way by winning tournaments, but it wasn’t enough. My dad worried. We prayed often, kept hoping.

Then one day, a miracle happened: Kassie, an American lady talked to my dad. She wanted me to train at a famous training camp in Nairobi, Kenya, run by her friend. I saw my dad smile for the first time in almost one year when he told us the news. I was so excited. When I arrived in Nairobi, not only did I recognise some of the kids from tournaments but I already knew “the doctor”! She always smiled at me and said “hallo”. On court though Dr Liz was really tough: no smiles, just hard work. The other kids were serious and very fit. I worried that I was not going to make the cut.

It was tough. We had to sit an entry exam at the school. I failed everything but English. Then the tennis testing took three hours! There were so many different ways to play a stroke. I qualified to attend Sadili Oval Tennis Academy, I have never been so happy in my life. I have learnt more about tennis and life than ever and I am now number 1 in the Tennis Africa Cup and schools doubles champion. It is a long way from my life in the slum.

Many wonderful things have happened to me: Serena Williams came and visited Sadili last year and I have been selected to join Sadili’s team of 11 kids on a special tennis trip to Florida to train with top coaches this summer. The only problem is that we need to raise the return airtickets for the team, which will cost US$2040. I appeal to friends to help make our dream come true, any amount will be welcome.

To donate, please go to: http://www.globalgiving.com/1665

You can find out more about Sadili Oval on: _http://www.sadili.com_ and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iv8oqgLB90

You can watch Sakina play on www.youtube.com/lizodera/sakina