Mathys Promotes Anti-Racism Through Inspiring School Visit on Power of Education
In a recent initiative promoting anti-racism, football player Mathys visited local schools as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. This event emphasized the crucial message of education in combatting discrimination and fostering unity among young people.
Inspiring Visit by Mathys
During his visit, Mathys surprised the students by gifting them Tottenham Hotspur shirts. He expressed his belief in the power of sharing positive experiences. “If you can share something positive with children, they’ll remember it,” Mathys stated, highlighting the joy of giving back to the community.
Children’s Responses
Amiira, a nine-year-old student who won a poetry competition, shared her excitement about Mathys’s presence. “It was really fun to meet Mathys. I wrote my poem to help racism end and to ensure everyone is treated fairly,” she remarked. Her enthusiasm reflects the event’s impact on young minds.
Community Engagement Through Football
The initiative is part of a broader effort, engaging approximately 7,000 children across nearly 100 schools over the last four years. Funded by the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme utilizes football to teach essential life skills and promote personal development.
- Participants: Nearly 7,000 children
- Schools involved: Almost 100 over four years
- Programme: Premier League Primary Stars
Messages of Empowerment
Andrew Wands, the Foundation’s education manager, emphasized the importance of making young people feel empowered. “Through sessions like this, we’re not just teaching about diversity; we’re fostering a more inclusive future,” he said.
Mathys’s personal story was pivotal in communicating this message effectively to the children.
Reactions From Educators
Maria Kokotsis, headteacher of Lea Valley, described Mathys’s visit as unforgettable. She noted, “His honesty, kindness, and message of unity really resonated with them.” Programs like this underscore the significance of student voices in the fight against racism.
Support for Anti-Racism Initiatives
This visit aligns with the ongoing No Room For Racism campaign, which calls for greater diversity and emphasizes that discrimination has no place in football or society. A match against Aston Villa this Sunday will further spotlight this important commitment.
Overall, Mathys’s visit serves as a reminder of the power of education and community engagement in addressing critical social issues like racism.
