My name is Nadege. I was born in the rural community of Destra. I am a coach with GOALS Haiti (since 2010) and proud to be a part of creating positive impact for the kids in our programs and for our community.
Since I was young, I've had a great love for playing soccer. I used to enjoy being part of the famous women's team in Léogâne called Anacaona FC. I played in various positions, including winger, striker, and even goalkeeper. I was fortunate to be a versatile player and often scored goals. Growing up, I faced some challenges because many in my community believed that soccer was only for men and that women shouldn't play. But I never let those ideas hold me back. I remained passionate and determined to follow my love for the game.
Many years ago, I was playing football by the sea with a group of young men, being the only young woman among them. A woman on a horse passed by, it was Kona Shen (founder of GOALS Haiti). She stopped to ask, “What’s your name, and why are you the only girl playing with all these boys?” I said, “My name is Nadège. Soccer is my passion, and I have big goals. Despite being underestimated, I believe I’ll succeed through soccer.” Years later, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Kona returned to Destra. She recognized me and said, “Nadège, do you remember me?” I did because Kona used to watch women’s soccer matches in Léogâne when I played for Anacaona. She told me that women face marginalization and that she came back to work with me to change that” and I knew that we can boost the area through football.
Initially, we focused on community activities and recycling. I volunteered for three months with Kona. We were working with children and gaining trust from parents. This was during the time of after the earthquake and GOALS helped with housing and built public toilets and streetlights to help repair the community. GOALS transformed a vulnerable community after the earthquake.
Our community is not wealthy, and much work remains, but the most important impact GOALS has had is in educating us. Soccer has transformed the community. We have players that join the local, national, and international teams.
Through GOALS training on child’s rights, like the right to education and protection from abuse, we taught parents to respect children's rights. Before GOALS many girls became pregnant young, at 13 or 14, deepening poverty. GOALS brought health education including sexual health trainings that helped us learn reproductive management and prevent early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
I have become an independent woman through my work with GOALS, especially as a Coach. I gained respect as a community leader, but I’m still the same Nadège who was underestimated as a woman practicing soccer.