The FIFA Football for Schools programme was launched at the Jan Mohr Secondary School sport field in Windhoek on Wednesday.
The FIFA Football for Schools programme was launched at the Jan Mohr Secondary School sport field in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The idea for the programme was born in Rwanda during a FIFA committee in 2018. It is run by FIFA in collaboration with UNESCO and aims to contribute to the education, development and empowerment of boys and girls across the globe.
Representing FIFA at the launch IN Windhoek was the director of Fifa Football for Schools Fatimata Sidibe, who applauded the commitment shown by all stakeholders to the youth of Namibia, their education, societal values and football in particular.
"I would respectively request your continued support as we believe that the NFA and the government can contribute to social change in the country by working on the foundations that have been laid with launch of the Football For Schools Program. Many projects that were launched with great fanfare have disappeared after a few years. I call on all stakeholders in the effective implementation of F4S , to accompany and collaborated with the NFA in the effective monitoring of F4S in school" Sidibe said.
To ensure the smooth implementation of F4S , FIFA released the F4S app in Namibia and provided 1960 Footballs and a Financial support system.
Director in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture Ayesha Wentworth said the programme will strenghten the already existing relationships between the two ministries and the Namibia Schools Sport Union.
Director of Sport Jo Ann Manuel read the Minister's speech on her behalf. Manuel said sport and other activities provide both physical and mental benefits and with the added component of life skills the learners will not only learn football but will become active citizens in their community and country.
For two days FIFA instructors delivered theoretical and practical sessions based on the F4S methodology to 44 coaches coming from 14 regions in Namibia.
They also had an opportunity to learn how to use the F4S app, how to teach football skills and life skills to children and how to practice on a pitch.
These educators are now capacitated to train other teachers and children.