The team, operating under the organisation Gloves of Hope, designed and delivered a custom-built space aimed at empowering local residents through sport, community engagement and cultural development.
Founded by Loughborough graduate Zion Johnson (Politics and International Relations BA, 2023), Gloves of Hope is an international, community-led organisation that uses sport as a platform for long-term social change. The idea was inspired by Zion’s first-hand experience of how boxing can build confidence, discipline and opportunity for young people.
During the early fundraising and planning stages, Zion was introduced to fellow graduate Kuldip Rohit (Architecture BArch, 2024) through his roommate, alum Talib Hossain (Biomedical Engineering BEng, 2024). Kuldip went on to lead Project IPPO, bringing architectural expertise to the initiative.
What began as a small team of three quickly grew into a coordinated effort involving 24 volunteers, seven Tanzanian workers, and 112 supporters, sponsors and philanthropists. Other key volunteers included Harry Baston-Hall (Architecture BArch, 2024), Melissa Northen, Matt Caen, Campbell Carmichael, and Tom Chua.
“As Loughborough graduates, much of the thinking behind the project was shaped through our time at the University, particularly around collaboration, design thinking, and using sport as a catalyst for social change,” said Zion.
The project was driven by a clear goal: to empower young people through access to sport while creating opportunities for skill development and community engagement. Since its completion, the gym has already supported more than 70 young people through boxing training and outreach initiatives. The work has also received recognition from the Governor of Mwanza.
Beyond sport, the facility provides a safe and inclusive space for families and young people across the island. More than 400 community members attended the official opening day, demonstrating widespread local support.
“We’ve been able to change the lives of hundreds of children and build something that is sustainable, community-owned, and truly life-changing for Ukerewe,” said Kuldip. “None of this would have been possible without the connections and community we found at Loughborough.”
A key focus of Project IPPO has been sustainability. The gym has been designed as a community-owned initiative, ensuring that local residents have the skills, resources and ownership needed to maintain and develop the space long into the future.
“All of us on the project are volunteers, and to be able to create something that matters and lasts for others is a reward in itself,” Zion added.
“We have a number of future projects in the pipeline, with opportunities to get involved as a supporter, volunteer or part of our ground team.”