Ainesville Soccer Academy USA Supports Young Peace Builders’ Sport For Peace Initiative

The Executive Director of Young Peace Builders Sierra Leone, Herbert BiCoolBangura has revealed during a press briefing that his organization has received an outstanding support from Ainesville Soccer Academy in Florida United States of America.

Story By Abdulrahman Koroma

Herbert made this revelation on behalf of the organization on Friday 6^th January at the organization’s premises in Makeni.

This donation came after Herbert’s professional exchange visit to USA through the support of the United States Department of States, IREX’s Community Solutions Program.

In giving a brief background of his trip, Herbert BicoolBangura stated that he achieved and learnt a lot during the professional exchange program and that his organization was able to establish relationship with some organizations within the United States that are interested in Partnering and supporting young Peace builders programs, Government Development programs, especially those geared towards young women and youth empowerment and health sector.

“While in the United States, I carried myself as an Ambassador of my beloved country Sierra Leone and despite other challenges that are inevitable, I was able to raise the flag high and arouse the interest of people who probably never heard of Sierra Leone to want to come to at least visit and support development programs within the Country,” he said.

He stated that he is optimistic that those established relationship with the US Department of States, US Organizations and individuals would lead to strengthen fruitful partnerships that will help develop his organization and country at large.

Herbert expressed happiness to return back home in good health to continue his work in accordance with the UN SecurityCouncil Resolution 1325 & 2250.

In a bid to exhibit transparency, he presented the donated supporting items (soccer boots & balls) to the organization’s Sport’s department for Peace Coordinator & Technical Director (FatmataTuray&SubaKanu) respectively.

While handing over the items, he made it known that those items were made available through the efforts of One Mr. John Howard, Founding Member &Treasurer of the Gainesville Soccer Academy who initially made the presentation of the sporting items on behalf of the Academy to Young Peace Builders.

Herbert Bangura expressed hope that in the near future there shall be exchange visits with partners in the USA in order to get deeper insight on the work by the organization in a way of promoting sustainable partnership.

 He concluded by saying that all of what they are doing is in line with the mission & vision of the organization to promote sustainable Peace and Community development and as an organization they will continue to support government’s efforts in achieving the same.

After receiving the items, the Technical Director and also the Sport’s for Peace Coordinator of the organization showered praises on the efforts of the Gainesville Soccer Academy, USA for recognizing the role of sports in building peace and for supporting the work of Young Peace Builders.