TAFRO Feature – African Trailblazer: Elvis Nshimba
Elvis Nshimba is a sports coach and community leader from the Democratic Republic of Congo who is using sport to change lives.
He started as a school teacher, but everything changed when he discovered “sport for development”, the idea that sport can teach life lessons and help solve social problems. For over 10 years, he has trained teachers, coaches, and community leaders in many African countries, helping them use sport to promote health, education, and gender equality.
acquireIn 2022, Elvis started his own nonprofit, called Umoja Sport Foundation. It began with sports but quickly grew into something bigger. Today, Umoja also teaches young people to read and write, learn about family health, and gain skills such as sewing. Most of the people they work with are women and youth from rural areas.
Elvis’s life story is what drives his mission. He was born after 12 months in the womb and nearly died at birth. Later, he had serious health issues and often missed school because of money problems. But instead of giving up, he used those hard times to find his purpose.
Now, he’s building something that will last. He trains young people, gives them leadership roles. He dreams of opening schools in poor communities.
His message to other African changemakers is simple: “Start with what you have. Protect your image. Build your network before you need it. And most of all, just start.”
Read more about Elvis' story here.
