Sport is one of the many things that bring people together. The recent rugby world cup proved this point. This is why when Adegbile Adekunle and Geronomo Abrahams were thinking up ways of helping the youth in Kariega a few years ago, they decided to use soccer as a tool.
“When people talk about helping or giving back to their communities, they end up just talking and not actually doing the work. That’s why we started our non-profit organisation, Swift Response in 2013,” Adekunle said.
“Our mandate is in our name; to respond to the issues of our society with swiftness. No talks or excuses, just action,” he added.
Swift Response uses the game of football to bring people together, support and encourage them not only to speak up about issues they face, but also to dream big and follow their dreams.
“We’re targeted the youth, we’re passionate about youth development and doing what we can to give young people that extra push that they often need,” Adekunle explained.
Adekunle, who is the director of the non-profit organisation, said although they use football, they do not limit the capabilities of the local children and young people. Instead, they often encourage them to pursue their wildest dreams.
“It’s not about the game, it’s about the life skills instilled in these young minds, the discipline and values we try to put into them, equipping them to dream and not stay stagnant, regardless of their background. This is why we don’t only recruit just the best or most promising players; everyone is welcome, and we put an emphasis on girls to join too.”
What Swift Response aims to do is shape the minds of the youth, so they don’t get discouraged from following their dreams because of circumstances. There are many obstacles that may deter young people from their goals, like family issues, societal challenges and even battles with themselves. “We teach them not to dabble in alcohol and drugs, but sometimes it’s hard because they leave and find those very things in their homes sometimes,” Adekunle shrugged. He further said they don’t want the youth to disrespect their parents, but it’s important for them to carve out their own paths for the future.
Apart from Abrahams, Adekunle is grateful to his wife, Amida Adekunle, who is the chairperson of the organisation. “She goes above and beyond for those children, all without pay. Just like our own three children, she teaches those young people to make the values they learn at the organisation a lifestyle.”
In the future, Swift Response hopes to go global and plans on going to Nigeria, Adekunle’s home country soon.
For more information, contact Adekunle on 073 003 9441 or email swiftresponsehelps@gmail.com
