Footballers unite to tackle poverty
17/12/2009 12:40:00
Top footballers Emmanuel Ntamack Billa and Fabrice Muamba join forces today, Thursday 17th December 2009, to encourage people from diaspora communities to volunteer and tackle poverty in both the UK and abroad.
Attending an event arranged by Africa Foundation Stone and supported by VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) and DFID, the footballers are in town to see the positive impact volunteering can have both in the UK and abroad.
Emmanuel Ntamack Billa, who currently plays for Portuguese football team Benfica said:
"We all need to step up to tackle poverty. Volunteering can make a huge difference and just a short amount of time can transform someone’s life. Most importantly, it can bring people of African or Asian heritage back to their roots. I owe my career to people who have volunteered. Whilst living in Cameroon, a volunteer from African Foundation Stone set up a scouting programme - it was his involvement that resulted in my professional career at Benfica and got me off the streets. If it hadn’t been for that volunteer, I wouldn’t be playing professional football today.”
Africa Foundation Stone is part of a bespoke Diaspora volunteering programme run by VSO and supported by DFID that seeks to engage members of the African and Asian community in the UK. Designed to encourage international volunteering, the programme helps local organisations send volunteers to their continent of origin, engaging them in the fight against poverty and encouraging them to spread a development message when they return.
Marg Mayne, Chief Executive of VSO said:
"The programme recognises the unique contribution that members of the Diaspora community can make in the fight against poverty. Remittances from the Diaspora community already have a huge impact - however we want to encourage people to give their time as well."
Africa Foundation Stone is one of 22 organisations in the Diaspora volunteering programme and sends volunteers to Cameroon to improve the lives of street children through football. It also has a UK focus and helps young people of African heritage and their parents deal with issues around under achievement and employment through a homework club and football academy. One of its most famous participants - Fabrice Muamba - got his A-Level maths with them.
Valentin M. Yombo - Djema, founder and CEO of Africa Foundation Stone, said:
"Local action does make a difference - whether it’s volunteering or donating money and books. Our event aims to showcase the impact local action can have both in the UK and with street children in Cameroon."
The Minister of State for International Development, Gareth Thomas is also attending the event and will speak about the role of Diaspora communities in tackling poverty.
Ends
Interviews are available with the following:
· Emmanuel Ntamack Billa and Fabrice Muamba
· Valentin M. Yombo- Djema, CEO, Africa Foundation Stone
· Gareth Thomas, Minister of State for International Development
To arrange an interview please contact:
Louise Hill
0208 780 7410
louise.hill@vso.org.uk <mailto:louise.hill@vso.org.uk>
Local Action, Global Impact will take place on Thursday 17th December 2009 from 1.00pm until 5.00pm at The Paradox Centre, 3 Ching Way, Chingford, London, E4 8YE.
Editor's notes
· VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers who use their skills and expertise to tackle poverty in Africa and Asia.
· Emmanuel Ntamack Billa was born in Cameroon and currently plays for Benfica
· Fabrice Muamba was born in Democratic Republic of Congo and currently plays for the Bolton Wanders
