Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The tripartite agreement was paraphrased on Wednesday November 8, 2023 at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Cameroon. The collaboration according to the High Commissioner further strengthens ties between Cameroon and the United Kingdom.
“Both Cameroon and the UK have passion for football,” says Barry Lowen, British High Commissioner to Cameroon.
Before signing the partnership document, scribes from the collaborating organizations presented their vision and mission in the new deal. All parties had something interesting to offer in developing and growing sports related activities, as well as promoting social responsibilities in Cameroon. The country is the first African nation to benefit from the expertise of British company, Kickworldwide which operates through six specific pillars. One of these is the ‘Outreach Programme‘ which will mostly be put to play in the present partnership.
“At Kickworldwide, we use football to educate children on how to live their lives, start targeted educational processes and leadership skills,” says Steve Bellis, scribe of Kickworldwide and president of Stockport County Club in the UK.
The activities of Kickworldwide tie with those of EmpowerHer Tech Foundation. The non-profit organization uses technology to cater for the unique needs of women and children in communities both in domains like sports, education, healthcare, mindset development among others. They have developed a series of applications to that effect.
“Technology is the catalyst for unlocking the boundless potential within every woman and girl,” says Dr. Akepe Linus Enobi, Executive Director of EmpowerHer Tech Foundation.
“Technology is the cornerstone for constructing a more equitable and inclusive world.”
EmpowerHer Tech Foundation is an organization founded and headed by a Cameroonian woman, Mernsuh Laetitia. Another Cameroonian woman, Ndi Viola, is at the head of the Green Spring Digital University. The institution focuses on ‘digital education and global impact‘. By partnering with EmpowerHer Tech Foundation and Kickworldwide, the idea according to Ndi Viola is to “deliver a comprehensive sports education programme that will equip young people in Cameroon with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to pursue their dreams in the sports industry and beyond”.
Cameroon embraces the partnership
During his stay in Cameroon prior to the signing ceremony, the representative of Kickworldwide, Steve Bellis, acknowledged that Cameroon is a very hospitable country. The presence of some government officials at the signing ceremony was another indication that the country endorses the partnership.
Key note speaker at the event was the General Manager of the National Football Academy (ANAFOOT), Carl Enow Ngachou, who said the partnership synbolizes a pivotal moment it the history of Cameroon for it serves as an accelerator in developing grassroot football.
“Grassroot football is the heartbeat of the game where young talents surface and dreams begin to take shape,” says Carl Enow Ngachou.
Just like with any other partnership, the success of this one will depend on the degree of sponsorship. Steve Bellis, seized the occasion to invite potential sponsors to join the deal.
Present at the ceremony was the General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel), Judith Yah Sunday Epse Achidi. To her, the partnership will deliver quality education and promote sports in communities.
“Education and sports are powerful vectors in promoting social inclusion and making the world a better place to live in,” Judith Yah Sunday said.
The GM presented Camtel’s unmatched sponsorship in diverse sports discipline in the country indicating the company’s readiness to partner with the present initiative.
“I hope that this launch of collaboration will be an opportunity for us to use sports to score more goals for our youths and communities,” she added.
