Freetown | 14th June 2024 | Vertex Media
By: Abdul Razack Gbla
Following a groundbreaking initiative, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with Football For Reform and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), awarded CAF D License coaching certificates to 25 female inmates at the Freetown Correctional Centre on Thursday, 13th June, 2024. The four-day football coaching course, held from June 10 to June 13, 2024, represents a significant milestone in global efforts towards social responsibility and empowerment through sports.
The program, led by FIFA Council Member and CAF Executive Committee Member Isha Johansen, who is also the founder of Football For Reform, demonstrates a strong commitment to gender empowerment, positive social change, and rehabilitation. The course was conducted by CAF Elite Women’s Instructor Madam Majida Natanda from Uganda, who provided intensive training to equip the participants with the essential skills and knowledge for grassroots football coaching.
This initiative is historic as it marks the first time female inmates have been awarded a CAF D License coaching certificate. The training not only empowers these women with new skills but also symbolizes hope and a pathway to reintegration into society.
Madam Natanda, who was leading such a program for the second time, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an honour to impart these essential coaching skills to such determined and courageous individuals. Their dedication to learning and personal growth is truly inspiring.”
The ceremony included opening prayers and welcoming remarks by Ibrahim Sorious Samura, Media Coordinator for Football For Reform, and Augusta Sawyer-Williams, Commanding Officer of the Female Correctional Centre.
Jenneh Amara Bangali, Chairperson of Fashion For Change, representing Football For Reform, delivered an inspiring statement, “Today marks a historic moment of empowerment and change. Through Football For Reform, we are witnessing the incredible potential of these women. Their journey is an inspiration to us all.”
Ibrahim Bah, the Technical Director and representative of the SLFA, reiterated the association’s dedication to supporting social programs initiated by CAF and Football For Reform. He emphasized the significance of the course, pointing out the importance of such initiatives in the rehabilitation and empowerment of inmates.
A written statement from Madam Isha Johansen was read by Aminata Adialin Bangura, emphasizing the significance of this achievement. Johansen’s message resonated deeply, stating,
“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try, and if your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough. I salute your determination and bold courage to not only dare to dream but to also chase that dream.”
Isha Johansen – FIFA and CAF Executive Committee Member and Founder of Football For Reform
Representing the Correctional Service, Major Bah commended the efforts of Madam Johansen and her Football For Reform team in the rehabilitation and empowerment drive of the inmates over the past 3 years. He noted that the Correctional Service will continue to work with groups aiming to empower, rehabilitate, and change the lives of the inmates at all times.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates by Majida Natanda, Ibrahim Bah, Jenneh Bangali, and others. An inmate (Umu) delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, followed by closing prayers, marking the end of a truly historic event. The participants’ achievement is proof of their resilience and the selfless support from the authorities and organizations involved in this pioneering initiative.
