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PREPARING SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD |
Xolani Magqwaka is the programme coordinator for Grassroots Soccer, a major development initiative. He is spearheading the programme in the Western Cape as well as overseeing the Football for Hope Centre project in Khayelitsha. Project 2010 asked him...  What is the concept behind grassroots soccer? Using the power of soccer in the fight against HIV and AIDS, Grassroot Soccer (GRS) provides African youth with the knowledge, life skills and support to live HIV-free. Founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, GRS trains African soccer stars, coaches, teachers, and peer educators in the world's most HIV-affected countries to deliver an interactive, sports-based HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to boys and girls aged 10-18 years. The Football for an HIV Free Initiative is a new partnership between Grassroot Soccer and the African Broadcast Media, Coxswain Social Investment plus, loveLife, The Kaiser Family Foundation, and UNAIDS, which strives to capitalise on the excitement surrounding the 2010 World Cup by using football to fight HIV and AIDS in Africa. Has this been accepted by people in the communities where you are involved? Engaging the community is extremely important to the success and sustainability of our projects and the first step that we take at GRS when we begin working on a new endeavor. We typically conduct community mapping before implementing any programs to understand that specific population and work to engage appropriate stakeholders such as the local government structures, schools, community role models, beneficiaries and local implementing partners. What are the biggest challenges you are still facing, particularly with the 2010 World Cup around the corner? The World Cup provides a unique and powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact on the HIV pandemic. For the first time, the world's most-watched sporting event-with billions of viewers and millions of visitors-will be played on the African continent. Due to our proven track record and existing relationships, GRS is in a unique position to engage virtually all key players-including major corporations, African governments, UN agencies, community-based organizations, and FIFA itself-to ensure that the 2010 World Cup leads to a long-lasting legacy for Africa's fight against HIV and AIDS. What was the reason for building the first of the 20 Centres for 2010 in Khayelitsha? "20 Centres for 2010" is the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ South Africa. Its aim is to raise funds to create twenty Football for Hope Centres for public health, education and football across Africa. The centres will address local social challenges in disadvantaged areas and improve education and health services for young people. more interviews...
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