Sierra Leone: Raphael Koroma to feature in UNICEF-SLFA COVID 19 campaign
Freetown, (May 10th, 2020) – The Sierra Leone FA in its effort to sensitized citizens on the global pandemic will use some top national league players in COVID-19 sensitization and awareness in the country. Earlier this May 2020, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has signed an MOU that will feature local player to campaign on COVID 19.
The joint release dated May 8, 2020 and signed by both outfit, explained UNICEF and SLFA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a joint communication and advocacy campaign, which will see local football players engaged in public sensitization around the Corona Virus disease (Covid-19).
The MoU will guide UNICEF and SLFA on how to jointly use print, audio and video platforms to disseminate accurate information on how to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This will encourage everyone to take personal responsibility to contain the outbreak in the country. Campaign messages will also help people to identify and respond to the secondary impacts of COVID-19 such as exploitation and abuse of children, disruptions in learning and limitations on social interactions.
One key player, who will feature in the COVID-19 sensitization and awareness, is Raphael Koroma of national league side FC Johansen. The young sensational player will use his influence from the pitch to the society in sensitizing and creating awareness to citizens about COVID 19.
Speaking in an interview, on his inclusion in the campaign, Raphael Koroma, said “is a difficult period globally and if this is how we can help the nation to spread preventive messages to my people and fans across the country”, at least this is my little effort to country he added. Raphael Koroma, is a defender and has been excellent in this season campaign and the promising star with is impacting his club’s future and is exciting to watch in the national league. Koroma, 19, has so far scored one goal in the Sierra Leone 2019 /2020 Premier season in ten appearances. The young and bustling defender is also presently in training with the National team.
Some of the male and female footballers who will also be featured in the campaign include Musa Kamara, Ibrahim Turay, Nathaniel Thogovula, Mahmoud Fofanah, Samuel Kwaku Bekoe, Suffian Kalokoh, Momoh Conteh, Hannah Conteh, Rashidatu Kamara, Adama Kargbo and Isatu Dumbuya.
UNICEF Representative, Dr. Suleiman Braimoh said “COVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of children’s lives, including their education and their right to play”. This initiative reaffirms UNICEF’s commitment to collaborate with different stakeholders towards the common goal of overcoming this disease and allow all children and their families to return to their daily lives”.
“In a country like ours, where the power and language of football is entrenched across society, our players are household names and we recognise that messages from them will have a positive impact, particularly on the country’s youths.” said SLFA President Isha Johansen. “As the nation’s parent body for football, the SLFA is committed to support UNICEF’s work with Government in any way possible in the fight against COVID-19.”
This is not the first time that SLFA has joined hands with UNICEF in responding to a health pandemic. During the Ebola Virus outbreak of 2014-2015, SLFA also came on board.
