Tuesday 17 October marked the UN’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and City has been continuing to empower its network of young leaders in Bandung by delivering leadership training in the area.’
Utilising classroom and on-the-pitch workshops, coaches delivered sessions to enhance life building skills, practical planning and their understanding of how to use football as a tool to positively impact social issues.
On the UN’s End Poverty day itself, the young leaders put their newly developed skills into practice and presented a special health awareness seminar around HIV and AIDS to the community at Al-Mubarok school in Lembang.
Meanwhile, a particular highlight of the week was a football festival organised by the young leaders themselves and attended by the Indonesian branch of the Manchester City Official Supporters’ Club.
This builds on the Club’s work with charity partner, Rumah Cemara, with whom they have helped to deliver the Football for Change project since the beginning of the year.
Utilising Indonesia’s passion for football, the initiative offers a path to a better life and young leader, Sharah, was thrilled to have the opportunity to develop her skills.
“Having Manchester City coaches here has been great and many youths in Bandung were really excited to join this training,” she said.
“All of us learned so many things, met so many people, took part in some planning sessions and acquired a deeper knowledge. We have gained a priceless experience that we can take back to our communities.
“More over, the material they gave made us smile and happy. Hopefully this training will continue to allow us to bring change in Bandung through the power of football.”
Football for Change has already made a difference to the lives of over 250 children and young people in Bandung by connecting them with specialised support to deal with the threat of substance abuse and other challenges, including HIV and AIDS.
To join the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty conversation, use #EndPoverty.
