YALI Sport Africa is proud to announce its official acceptance into the International Safeguards for Children in Sport initiative, a global movement uniting sport organizations to ensure that every child has a safe, inclusive, and empowering sporting experience.
This milestone marks a powerful step forward in our commitment to using sport as a force for good, not only to empower youth through academic and athletic opportunities but to ensure that their well-being, dignity, and safety are protected at every level of our programs.
A Global Commitment to Child Safety in Sport
The International Safeguards for Children in Sport initiative brings together organizations that are actively working to implement and promote a set of eight internationally recognized safeguarding principles. These safeguards serve as a framework to prevent abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation of children in sporting environments.
As a new member, YALI Sport Africa joins a community of leading organizations across the globe that are championing child protection and advocating for sport systems that prioritize the holistic development and safety of young athletes.
“At YALI Sport Africa, we believe that no child should ever feel unsafe while pursuing their passion for sport. Joining this initiative strengthens our promise to ensure that all of our programs, from grassroots tournaments to elite athlete preparation , uphold the highest standards of care, accountability, and protection,” said Nkenglefac Foretia Divine, Founding Member of YALI Sport Africa.
What This Means for Our Work
YALI Sport Africa has long stood at the intersection of youth empowerment, education, and sport development. Through our flagship initiatives such as the YALI Sport Academy, the Nkong Football Tournament for Peace, and the YALI Ubuntu Project, we’ve worked with hundreds of young people, including student-athletes, refugees, and marginalized youth, helping them access sport opportunities in ways that also build life skills, leadership, and community connection.
With this new partnership, YALI Sport Africa will:
-
Integrate the International Safeguards into all levels of programming, from training coaches to supporting young athletes in competitions.
-
Develop child protection protocols tailored to the local context of our operations across Cameroon and other African countries.
-
Raise awareness and build capacity among staff, volunteers, parents, and youth on safeguarding responsibilities and reporting mechanisms.
-
Collaborate with global partners to learn, share, and improve safeguarding practices in line with international best standards.
Why Safeguarding Matters Now More Than Ever
Across Africa, sport is a compelling platform for youth development. But it must be safe. Research and reports continue to highlight the risks of abuse, exploitation, and negligence that many children face in sport settings, especially where protective structures are weak or nonexistent.
By aligning ourselves with the International Safeguards for Children in Sport, YALI Sport Africa sends a clear message: youth development through sport must never come at the expense of a child’s safety or dignity.
Looking Ahead
Our acceptance into this initiative opens new doors for collaboration, learning, and leadership in the safeguarding space. In the coming months, we will be rolling out new tools, guidelines, and training to ensure that our safeguarding standards are not only met, but lived out in every program and every pitch where YALI Sport Africa operates.
We invite all our partners, coaches, and community leaders to join us in championing this cause. Together, we can create a sporting culture that is safe, respectful, and empowering for every child.
About YALI Sport Africa
YALI Sport Africa is a youth-focused, Pan-African initiative that leverages sport to promote education, leadership, gender equality, and peacebuilding. Our mission is to empower the next generation of African changemakers through sport-based development programs, scholarships, and strategic partnerships.
For more information, please contact:
📧 contact@yalisportafrica.org
🌍 www.yalisportafrica.org