New Initiative: European Footballers supporting better education in South African schools

A breadcrumb for some, a major shift in opportunities for others. That was on ex-professional football player Rody Turpijn’s mind when he decided to commit himself full-time to starting up Players for Life.

Players for Life is a foundation that seeks to enlist European professional football players to commit a small percentage of their annual earnings to help build and renovate schools and lay out sports fields for South African children in poor and remote areas, starting in KwaZulu Natal. A safe school building, desks and chairs, a school food garden, latrines, play grounds and sports fields will enable the children to focus on their schooling in a positive and supportive environment.

A thorough assessment has been made of potential South African partners at the end of 2009, when Rody visited South Africa. Subsequently, a partnership was formed with Adopt a School, which has been improving school facilities in South Africa since 2001.

On the back of the World Cup 2010, the next few months will see a media push and lobby to reach out to European football champions and convince them that education is the start of opportunities and futures and is worth investing in.

BKB Africa is sponsoring this initiative through rendering strategic advice and offering press support to Players for Life. For more information on Players for Life, click here.