18th June, 2010
Over 100 people attended the AMREF ONE GOAL conference held in Centurion, Johannesburg yesterday. Organised by AMREF in collaboration with the Italian Football Federation and UNICEF, the ONE GOAL conference was created as a platform to explore links between sports and health and the role of sports in development.
Set against the backdrop of the first FIFA World Cup tournament to be held in Africa, the conference included top officials from the Italian Football Federation, Italian Embassy, South African government representatives and the Head of Corporate Responsibility for FIFA. A number of young people and other stakeholders were also present and shared in the dialogue.
In the opening session, Mr Giancarlo Abete, President of the Italian Football praised AMREF’s work across Africa and stated the federation’s intent to strengthen relations and on-going support in the future. World champions Azzurri (the Italian football team) are raising money to support AMREF’s and UNICEF’s work in Africa through the Italian ONE GOAL for Africa campaign.
A number of key players in development, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), PSI, Population Council, UBS, UNICEF South Africa and AMREF International, Italian and South African board representatives also attended the conference.
Dr Pascoal Mocumbi, AMREF International Board Chair said: “Thanks to the Italian Football Federation for showing what can be done, not only for Africa but for the world. By bringing together partners who care about children, we can achieve better health for Africa. We need a holistic approach that joins a soccer championship with actions, which make change for Africa.
“Yes, it is our time but it is also time for all humanity to work together to ensure that through the World Cup in South Africa, the whole nation is united. We should not only praise the team which wins – but praise a humanitarian goal – which is to empower children.”
The conference comprised technical contributions and case studies from:
Mr Marcus McGilvray from Whizzkids an organisation that focuses on teaching life skills through sports, active learning models and participatory game-based learning methods, and which is partnering with AMREF through its office in Italy
- Ms Nadi Albino, UNICEF South Africa Chief of Education
- Dr Eddie Mhlanga, Chief Director, Maternal, Child and Women’s Health, who spoke about provision of youth-friendly services
- Dr Johnny Matshabaphala, Director of Executive Management Programmes at the University of Witwatersrand, who shared ideas about entrepreneurship and using sports as a vehicle for development of young people.
Dr Florence Muli-Musiime, Deputy Director General, AMREF moderated the session. She summarised two common issues arising from the presentations:
- The need for continued synergy and partnerships amongst stakeholders
- The importance of centralising the youth voice for sustained and tangible development
Ms Penina Ochola, Country Director - AMREF in South Africa closed the proceedings by thanking all the speakers and delegates. She emphasised the need to develop a shared understanding on synergy between sports, health and development and evoke common interest among stakeholders to expand programmes and reach children and young people in remote and hard-to-reach districts of South Africa.
After lunch, delegates were treated to a hard-hitting theatrical performance called The Memory Box, a play performed by young people addressing issues of stigmatism and child-headed households as a result of HIV/AIDS. The play was also followed by a variety of youth-centred football activities organised by UNICEF.
Contacts:Dijon Hilzinger-Maas Bob Kioko |
