A Jersey football initiative which delivers vital mental health education to thousands of young people in Kenya has not let covid-19 halt its progress.
When the annual Jersey 4 Africa Challenge Trophy had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, it seemed plans had been thwarted.
However, event organisers instead turned their attentions to an alternative campaign, with support from Standard Bank for another year.
Jersey 2 Africa 4 Football Foundation teamed up with Nairobi-based sports ball manufacturers Alive and Kicking Factory, and the Kenya Football Foundation for Africa to launch 'Covid-19 Bounce Back'.
It provides youngsters in Africa with access to sport and health education through ball donations and the delivery of sport-based health programmes.
Footballs were distributed to the Wire Academy in Oyugis state, Western Kenya, to allow youngsters in disadvantaged communities the opportunity to continue their football development. At the same time, they were also educated on the risks of covid-19.
Pictured: The initiative includes ball donations and the delivery of effective sport-based health programmes.
Co-ordinator Ricky Weir explained: "We may be in the middle of a global pandemic but we did not wish our activities to completely cease in terms of supporting young people in Africa through football, particularly those in vulnerable areas.
"Following the massive economic downturn caused by covid-19, 'Bounce Back' has brought a smile to so many faces as the photos of the football-loving boys and girls show.
"We are extremely grateful to Standard Bank for supporting this campaign and it’s heartening to see it pay dividends during these most challenging of times for many African communities, who are often lacking in means, resources and the knowledge required to fight this pandemic."
Pictured: Co-ordinator of the initiative, Ricky Weir.
Ricky added: "Football is loved around the world, no more so than in Africa, and engages young people who, whilst playing and practising, are more open to learning whilst enjoying themselves than perhaps might be the case in more traditional classroom-style environments.
"That is the power of football and this scheme has been the perfect example to demonstrate that. It helps Alive and Kicking to keep its staff employed, the kids love the footballs and the coaches have improved resources and learning materials to work with."
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.