Global Support for Kids Initiative Week on End to Violence against Children

Day 1: Novelty Match

On Friday, 18th August 2023, Global Support for Kids Initiative Nigeria launched their long week program on end to violence against children with the theme “Fostering Inclusion – Changing Community’s Perception towards Street Connected Children”.

The week-long program aimed to raise awareness on the need to end violence against children and promote inclusion of street connected children in the community. Fostering a sense of new image about the street- connected children as their hidden potentials is develop and also making them to recognise the role they can play to promote sportsmanship in our society.

The Novelty Football Match as part GSK Initiative Nigeria Week in collaboration with her esteemed sponsor GSK INITIATIVE AMERICA. The novelty match was between GSK Initiative FC and Chief Corner Stone FC at St Paul’s Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, Oluwo, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The match started exactly 10:30am and had the presence of dignitaries from the Red Cross, The National Coordinator, Child Protection Network, State Actors and spectators from different community while the GSK Initiative FC was made up of street-connected children to showcase their sporting skills in a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.

One of the State Actor, Mr Soleye in his speech, “encouraged the GSK Initiative FC to take advantage of the friendly match and socialising opportunity has they participate in this incredible football game while displaying their skills in the football match”.

The match were accompanied by entertainment from the spectators creating a fun free atmosphere that brought different people together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting to mark the event.

The first 45 minutes was full of interesting actions from both sides and both teams performed extremely well, the first half of the match ended in 3 goals, in favour of Chief Corner Stone FC before the half whistle. After the 15minutes break was over, the players return to the pitch to continue the match. GSK Initiative FC put more effort to equalise but Chief Corner Stone FC capitalised on the counter attack to slot in two more goals in the space of 10 minutes into the second half.

As the game proceeded, GSK Initiative Staff and her volunteers cheer up the team and motivate them with encouraging words to strengthen and enable them to enjoy the match as it continues.

As the time count down to 90 minutes, the referee blew the whistle to announce the end of the match with 5 minutes extra time as GSK Initiative FC press harder to get a consolation goal but which ended with 6 goals to nothing as Chief Corner Stone FC emerge the winner.

This event serves as an opportunity for GSK Initiative FC to learn from Chief Corner Stone FC, giving and open communication that allows them to express themselves after the game.

Through the power of sports, GSK Initiative Nigeria has created an enjoyable and interactive environment that fostered camaraderie among street-connected children and the community.

According to one of the spectator from the community who witness the football match said “today’s event has change his perception about the street-connected children. It’s absolutely mind blowing to experience such love and affection accompany with opportunity from the organization. This was a laudable achievement, I must say to the organisation.

In addition, he encourages other reputable individuals, companies and the government to give all relevant support to the organisation to do more in other to create impacting children both at home and on the street”.

National Coordinator of Child Protection Network (CPN) Mr. Kunle Sani, presented the medals to the players and the winning team received a cash prize. He thanked the organisation for immense contributions and also assures the organization of any support needed.