Melissa Prandi Children Foundation

My name is Olivia Shekou. I'm a high school student athlete who plays tennis in Marin County, California. I have been passionate about tennis from a very young age and learned so much about myself through the sport. It has taught me discipline through training, teamwork within my high school team, and confidence to achieve my goals. Recently, I got involved with the Melissa Prandi Children Foundation which empowers impoverished communities in Uganda with educational opportunities, vocational training, micro-loans and donations of food and crucial supplies. This foundation has protected orphans and vulnerable children from child labor and trafficking. To date, The Melissa Prandi Children Foundation has enrolled over 160 Ugandan students in primary and secondary schools, with 6 active students continuing on to college.

We'd like to expand these efforts in 2025 by providing Uganda's youth another unimaginable opportunity.

Given how much tennis has made an impact on my life, I am looking to raise money to build a tennis academy at the Janan School with the intention of bringing hope and sparking joy in the lives of these underprivileged children in Uganda. Many young people in Uganda face limited access to structured sports programs and educational opportunities. A tennis academy dedicated to these children can be a transformative force, helping them develop life skills, secure brighter futures, and even dream of competing on international stages.

Why Tennis? Tennis is more than a sport—it’s a powerful tool for personal and social growth. Through structured training, mentorship, and competition, Ugandan youth will gain:

1. Life Skills: Discipline, focus, and perseverance through consistent practice and match play.

2. Physical and Mental Wellness: Enhanced fitness, reduced stress, and improved mental resilience.

3. Opportunities: A pathway to collegiate scholarships in the United States, where talent and hard work can lead to higher education and career opportunities.

4. Community and Empowerment: A safe space to build friendships, foster teamwork, and develop leadership qualities.

Your support will bring this vision to life, enabling us to:

1. Build Facilities: Construct courts, training areas, and essential infrastructure.

2. Provide Equipment: Supply rackets, balls, apparel, and shoes for children who can’t afford them.

3. Offer Coaching and Mentorship: Recruit trained professionals to provide top-notch coaching and mentorship.

4. Launch Scholarship Programs: Identify and nurture talented players with potential to pursue collegiate tennis in the U.S.

5. Host Community Programs: Introduce tennis to local schools and provide free clinics to inspire broader participation.

The Impact: With your help, we can empower hundreds of children to rise above their circumstances. These young players will gain not only a lifelong love for the sport but also the tools to succeed academically and personally. Together, we can open doors to global opportunities, inspire the next generation of Ugandan athletes, and foster a legacy of hope and change.

Join the Movement: Your contribution can change lives. Whether you donate $10 or $10,000, you’re helping to build futures and redefine what’s possible for these children. Let’s serve up a brighter future, one tennis ball at a time.

“Tennis has the power to unite people and create opportunities where they are desperately needed. The Tennis Academy at Janan School is about giving these talented youth the coaching and opportunities they need to succeed in a world that believes in their potential.”