Antonio Rudiger discusses his recent journey to Sierra Leone, as well as the effort he is directing to bring about meaningful change in that country.
Rudiger travelled to his mother’s native Sierra Leone in order to establish a new organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those living in this little West African nation.
Despite being a member of the German national team, living in England, and having been born in Berlin, Rudiger’s roots are in Sierra Leone. His parents recently returned to the nation after residing in Europe and raising their children abroad. His mother was born there. He believes it is his responsibility to use his success and notoriety to improve the world.
“It was a great trip,” he said to us upon his return to Cobham. “I’ve visited the nation twice already. Because I had to start the fund and meet with the president in a few days, this time was a little more anxious.
I’ve wanted to do this for a while because it’s essential to me. I started planning things as soon as I found out we would be taking a week off. My parents came back here four years ago, and I hadn’t seen my mother in years, so I had to return to Sierra Leone.
Increasing literacy and education rates in the nation, as well as enhancing sports, infrastructure, and education for all, are some of the main objectives of Rudiger’s charitable organisation. contains eight million residents.
According to the most current data from the World Bank, an international development organisation, the country’s poverty rate is still 43% even though it has significantly increased in the last ten years.
“The foundation’s only goal is to help poor people get ahead in the future,” states Rudiger. It was crucial that I did this in Sierra Leone in order to establish connections with individuals.
“This isn’t a solo performance.” I’d like to collaborate with individuals and organisations so that we can all work together to improve the future for youth.At the start of 2020, he donated more than $100,000 to the Free Quality Education programme in Sierra Leone. Over two million elementary and high school students benefit from this. He recently funded the completion of life-changing activities for eleven children with foot issues. During the trip, the 28-year-old also saw the Sierra Leone Amputee football team.
“It’s part of our focus on sports inclusivity,” he continued. “These guys have been hurt pretty bad, but they love football just as much as I do.”
“I want to keep these people up to date with society,” We should involve them and listen to what they have to say because I also want people to notice them. The same applies to males and women. Everyone should be the same, please.
The focus on African sports is growing as the Africa Cup of Nations draws to a close. Most recently, Senegal, led by Edouard Mendy, guaranteed their place in the Sunday final. For the first time since 1996, Sierra Leone is taking part in the event. Even though they were eliminated before the round of 16, they still wanted to prove to the world how powerful and excellent they are.
Rudiger also wishes to continue advancing Sierra Leone’s objective. His role as the nation’s football ambassador aims to increase the country’s international recognition. On a more intimate level, however, realising opportunities, aspirations, and goals is what counts most.
Rudiger continued, “The boys deserve a lot of praise because they worked really hard to make it for the first time in 25 years.”
The Ebola virus and the civil war are the two ways that you hear about Sierra Leone. This adds to a distinctive viewpoint of the country. It was nice to view us in a different perspective because most of what they said was negative.
As you might expect, being praised by the president is one of the best things that can happen to you, so I’m truly grateful and proud. Everything about my welcome was so nice, which I didn’t expect at all.
