Graduates from FIBA Foundation Global Youth Leadership program ready to make a difference

MIES (Switzerland) - Congratulations are in order for 29 individuals following their graduation from the FIBA Foundation Global Youth Leadership program.

Fifteen females and 14 males from 22 different countries participated, having been selected in cooperation with their respective National Federations. The graduates received a congratulatory video message from FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis during the virtual ceremony. 

The overall aim was to equip participants with the tools needed to create positive impacts in their own communities through basketball. 

Graduate	Graduate	Graduate
Sileena Arjune, Guyana	Petrina Aron, Namibia	Jana Malbrook, Seychelles
Maureen Manjoro, Zimbabwe	Kondou Bissiemou, Gabon	Shereif Kholeif, United Kingdom
Kiady Rabarijoelina, Madagascar	Ruby Ang, Brunei	Paola Giuntini, Italy
Linh Le, Vietnam	Daniel Howard, Australia	Zacharias Stagakis, Greece
Ashley Khoo, Brunei	Jordan Sere, Papua New Guinea	Janis Skvarnavics, Latvia
Sharo Kaiche, Malawi	Gilberto Pinto, Timor Leste	Domenico Barbato, Italy
Edson Chambal, Mozambique	Paul Ng, Singapore	Chin Wan Qing, Singapore
Mantius Amukoshi, Namibia	Daphne Rakobe, Botswana	Pakel Gumbs, Saint Lucia

Each of the eight monthly online seminars held from August 2021 to March 2022 had different topics:  Basketball For Good, Entrepreneurship, Diversity, Fundraising, Conflict Management, Leadership Skills and Child Safeguarding.

There were theoretical sessions with interactive breakout rooms to stimulate intensive exchange and discussions between the participants.

Participants also joined a session with the IOC Young Leaders Program in September 2021 to exchange best practices, and create connections, while there were mentoring sessions in thematic focus groups from March 2022 to June 2022.

While it's important to study and receive the tools, the next step is to use them to make a difference.

The Youth Leaders have begun putting their project ideas into action, addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6.

Graduates will now apply the knowledge and skills they've gained by implementing Basketball For Good Projects in their respective communities.

In some cases, Female Youth Leaders are joining forces and supporting each other. Daphne Rakobe from Botswana organized a 3x3 event in Francistown, which not only included a tournament to contribute to the development of basketball in the region but also a food drive for a disadvantaged family in need. There were basketballs donated from Molten.

Rakobe was joined by her fellow Youth Leader, Maureen Manjoro from Zimbabwe, who brought in teams from her country to participate in the event. This was a terrific example of teamwork through international cooperation.

Another example was seen with the work of Domenico from Italy, who organized an event called "Globe in Trotter" with two partner organizations in his home city of Milan. It took place after two months of intensive preparations.

There was a basketball tournament with culture and art components, and a celebration of multiculturalism with participants from different nationalities - an important step in addressing inequalities in his community. 

Globe in Trotter event held in Milan, Italy 

The FIBA Foundation's Youth Leadership program is a global Basketball For Good initiative giving youths the skills and opportunities to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This program teaches leadership and life skills through 3x3 basketball. The Youth Leaders are supported to create their own community impact project, growing the Basketball For Good family worldwide. 

These graduating Youth Leaders will continue to be active stakeholders of the global Basketball For Good movement. The FIBA Foundation aims to create continuous mentoring and engagement opportunities for them in the near future.

The FIBA Foundation Global Youth Leadership program was done in collaboration with GAME, an international non-government organization (NGO) working for social change. Please contact the FIBA Foundation if you want to know more about our programs or if you are interested in working with us.

FIBA