EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH FOOTBALL: THE EVERGREEN ACADEMY AND OVAL MINING'S CSR INITIATIVE. Sports serve as a powerful tool for fostering social integration within communities. By engaging in team activities, individuals can build friendships, cultivate mutual respect, and work together towards shared objectives, creating a sense of unity and belonging. Founded in 2022, Evergreen Academy is a football team established in Kanakantapa, Chongwe, to tackle challenges faced by local youth. This football initiative has had a transformative impact on the community, providing an outlet for positive engagement. According to the team coach, many idle youths, once involved in substance abuse, have redirected their energy through participation in football tournaments. These activities not only kept them occupied but also motivated them to abandon negative lifestyles altogether. The inclusion of a girls' football team further underscores the academy’s commitment to empowering young women and steering them away from harmful behaviours. Beyond its physical and mental health benefits, sport acts as a catalyst for education and personal growth within communities. Programs like those offered by Evergreen Academy equip young participants with essential life skills, provide access to both formal and informal learning opportunities, and inspire them to envision a brighter future despite the challenges they face. Football, a sport deeply cherished in Kanakantapa, has become an integral part of the community's culture. The academy has rapidly grown into a vital hub for youth engagement. Recently, the team secured affiliation with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), marking a significant milestone in its journey. For a second football season, Oval Mining has pledged to continue its ongoing support to the team as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The company envisions this program as a cornerstone for driving positive change and empowering the youth in Kanakantapa. Cooperlemon Cooperlemon Consultancy Tolayi Sikumba #evergreenacademy #csr #corporatesocialresponsibility #Chongwe #FAZ #footballassociationofzambia Evergreen Sports Academy Chilombo Sinkamba Stephanie Snapper Shalom Zulu
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