FIFA Logo | Credit: fifa.com
Marking the United Nations International Day of Education, FIFA Football for Schools recently celebrated the crucial role of education in promoting peace and human development. The program, initiated in 2018 during the eighth FIFA Council meeting in Rwanda, gained global momentum following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between FIFA and UNESCO, with 105 countries now actively participating.
Beyond the impressive participation numbers, the impact of Football for Schools has been profound, positively affecting tens of millions of children worldwide. The initiative aims to integrate football-related activities into educational systems, making the sport more accessible to young people and supporting their holistic development.
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Football for Schools Director Fatimata Sidibe emphasized the program’s goal to create a link between education and football, ensuring that children’s introduction to the sport is enjoyable and incorporates essential life skills. She highlighted the significance of January 24th, the International Day of Education, as a focal point for raising awareness about the transformative role of education in achieving inclusivity, equality, and high-quality education globally.
Having travelled extensively with her team over the past three years, Sidibe emphasized the role of education and sport in children’s well-being and the creation of sustainable and resilient societies. She emphasized football’s universal appeal and its ability to unify and educate children from diverse backgrounds.
In 2023, 71 FIFA member associations successfully introduced the program, with countries like Fiji joining the initiative. Twelve-year-old Fijian pupil Joeli Nakakai shared his positive experience, highlighting improvements in technical skills, understanding of gender equality, and enhanced interpersonal skills through the program.
Despite Fiji’s rugby-centric reputation, Football for Schools has successfully established itself, thanks to overwhelming support from local authorities. Sidibe underscored the potential for social change by incorporating football into national education systems and school curricula.
The program’s success extends to Africa, with 70% of FIFA’s African member associations participating. Introduced in Malawi in 2022, Football for Schools has become indispensable, showcasing the program’s sustainability and viability.
Reflecting on the 2024 International Day of Education theme, “Learning for a Lasting Peace,” Sidibe emphasized that the core of Football for Schools is centred around learning. Through the initiative, children gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, learn to live harmoniously with others and take responsibility for their health and well-being.
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