Former South African
president and philanthropist Nelson Mandela famously said that sport can play a
role in uniting people in divided societies, it speaks to the youth in a
language they understand and it has the power to create hope where once there
was only despair. KFC has proved the adage correct through their partnership
with Cricket South Africa (CSA) with the KFC Mini Cricket Programme which has
played a vital part in empowering the youth through cricket.
Since the start of their
partnership in 2010 the KFC Mini Cricket programme worked on spreading the game
of cricket to where it now hosts 126 000 young cricketers annually across South
Africa in a programme that spans diverse range in society, from urban areas to
rural areas attracting children of all genders, races and social backgrounds.
The KFC Mini Cricket
programme does not only successfully get children physically active but also
plays a role in positively developing the children’s mental, social, and
emotional wellbeing as KFC Mini Cricket programme participants learn to play
for a goal within a team environment which encourages soft skills like focus,
communication and helps improve friendship. Teamwork and leadership which can
pave a foundation for a successful professional cricketing career or a career
outside cricket through lessons learned in the KFC Mini Cricket programme.
The KFC Mini Cricket
Programme is also a foundation to youth who aspire to be professional
cricketers one day as players such as Sinethemba Qeshile, Janneman Malan and
Lutho Sipamla have seen their hard work and dreams come to fruition when they
made their debuts for South Africa in the KFC international T20 Series.
“As we commemorate Youth
Month, we are proud to play part in empowering the youth of South Africa
through our partnership with CSA with the KFC Mini Cricket programme which has
ensured that over a million children get active through our 11 years of
involvement in this prestigious programme.” KFC CSI Manger Andra Nel commented.
“KFC’s youth empowerment
goes beyond our involvement with the KFC Mini Cricket programme as outside of
cricket. KFC has launched the Ikusasa Lethu scholarship programme which
provides quality education to our team member’s children. We also continue to
tackle malnutrition through the KFC Add hope programme which raises funds to
feed over 150 000 children in South Africa. Through all these programmes
KFC continues to invest in the future of South Africa.” Andra Nel concluded.
The month of June is
referred to as Youth month in the South African calendar and the commemorations
and observance of youth month reach their peak on June 16th – Youth
Day - a significant holiday in South Africa’s history.
For more information on the KFC
Mini-Cricket programme, visit Website
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