Kick Out Illiteracy
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>View discussions about this entry Country: United States
Organization: Futbol For Change
Sport - Soccer
Year the initative began (yyyy) - 2007
Project URL: http://www.futbolforchange.org
Positioning in the Mosaic of solutions
What is your signature innovation, your new idea, in one sentence? - Create a productive environment for underprivileged African children where soccer and education meet.
Describe your innovation. What makes your idea unique and different than others doing work in the field? - The concept of Futbol For Change is straightforward. We are a non-profit organization that will employ soccer or football as the platform to meet the needs of the impoverished African communities we partner with (presently we work with Madina Zongo, Ghana). Soccer is the non-threatening activity that will allow our organization to initiate social and cultural change. As issues and problems of the communities we work with are expressed the curriculum and programs of Futbol For Change will be altered to meet changing needs. Flexibility will allow Futbol For Change to remain relevant and productive for years to come.
What are the existing barriers, the biggest problem, your innovation is hoping to address/change? - "Idle time" is an unassuming yet debilitating problem for the Ghanaian community of Madina Zongo. During the summer school break young people have a paucity of activity to participate in. This void is founded in extreme poverty and is compounded by educational limitations. To counter these realities Futbol For Change will provide a soccer academy for the children of Madina Zongo. The academy will stress both athletics as well as academics.
Delivery Model: How do you implement your innovation and apply it to the challenge/problem you are addressing? - Implementation of the Futbol For Change academy is simple. Our staff in Ghana is recruiting young people to participate in the summer academy. The academy will exist 4-6 weeks during July and August. A typical day at the Futbol For Change academy will consist of both a morning and afternoon session at the soccer pitch. An academic lesson will precede each athletic lesson. The purpose being that recreational athletics will act as the reward for completing educational work.
How do you plan to grow your innovation? - The summer academy will act as the catalyst for a enduring presence in Madina Zongo. We intend to establish a lasting Futbol For Change impact there. A permanent clubhouse at the local pitch is a goal of ours. The clubhouse would provide year round educational resources as well as computers. By encouraging kids of Madina Zongo to go to the soccer pitch they will also be coming in regular contact with educational assets. The summer academy will remain a staple of Futbol For Change initiatives and we also plan to branch out to a new community every three years.
Provide one sentence describing your impact/intended impact. - We intend to provide a soccer presence that encourages education and counteracts poverty's strong hold on African youth.
What impact has your innovation had to date/or what is your intended impact? Exactly who are the beneficiaries? - Futbol For change made initial contact with Madina Zongo in November of 2007. The children of this community will be the primary beneficiaries of Futbol For Change programs. They will receive both athletic and educational instruction. However, we intend for the summer academy to impact our partner community in an expansive manner. Meaning we will hold weekly coaching clinics for the local coaches. Also referee instruction will be offered to local soccer officials. The academy will act as a hub for social wellbeing within Madina Zongo.
Please list any other measures reflective of the impact of your innovation? - The educational component of Futbol For Change initiatives can not be stressed enough. Presently our staff consults and acts as guidance counselors to the kids of Madina Zongo. This initiative assists the children who need direction within their schooling path. Also, our organization is identifying children who are financially incapable of continuing their education. This process will allow Futbol For Change to seek funding for such children.
What are the main barriers to creating or achieving your impact? - Futbol For Change has a devoted and competent staff both in the U.S. and in Ghana. A sound relationship with our partner community has been established and is continually being furthered. Financing is our primary obstacle. Futbol For Change has extensive travel expenses, a payroll that has yet to be created for full time-employees, and typical business overhead costs.
How is your initiative financed (or how do you expect your initiative will be financed)? - Futbol For Change intends to finance its annual programs in the following manner. We will seek partnerships with corporations and foundations. Donations have been and will be solicited from individuals. We also have fundraising events planned, for example, charity soccer events in the U.S. and 5K races. Lastly we hope to produce merchandise to supplement our revenue streams.
If known, provide information on your finances and organization. - Please list: Annual budget, annual revenue generated, size of part-time, full-time and volunteer staff. The Futbol For Change 2008 budget is projected at $250,000. We have three full-time employees, two part-time Ghanaian associates, travel expenses, and equipment and resources we intend to provide to our academy participants.
What is the potential demand for your innovation? - The demand for Futbol For Change academy is high. Consultations with community leaders from Madina Zongo made it explicitly clear that soccer is the sport of choice for young people there. Any organization that offers soccer is providing an environment that will entice these children to take part.
What are the main barriers to financial sustainability? - Financial sustainability gets to the heart of our organizational anxiety. To create and execute a successful academy in 2008 we need donors and corporate sponsors who see eye-to-eye with the vision of Futbol For Change.
What is the origin of this innovation? Tell us your story. - Soccer is my passion. I became uninspired with my former career path and chose instead to get involved in a field that pushes me and keeps my interest. Additionally, Modern Africa courses that I recently took at James Madison University made me very aware of the impact soccer could generate in developing countries. Futbol For Change has its genesis in these facts.
Please provide a personal bio. Note this may be used in Changemakers marketing material. - Twenty-Four years old. Master of Arts in History, James Madison University. I love to stay involved in the game of soccer, a game that has forged most of my meaningful relationships and meaningful experiences. This non-profit venture allows me to stay active and stay focused on issues that demand attention.
Contact Information:
Michael Raskys
Director of Operation Futbol For Change (Non-Profit ) raskysmj@gmail.com 622 Graydon Ave. Apt 7 Norfolk, VA. 23507 USA United States Tel: 860 334 9731 Website: www.futbolforchange.org Discussions about this entry |
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