“The African Child has for long been neglected and marginalized in all facets of social life and denied the opportunity to nurture and develop their talents as required for society’s benefit and so this should be an opportune time to help their cause”.

Mr. Charles Cobbina, Executive Director of ORPED Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) said these in an interview with the GNA Sports in Kumasi.

The Executive Director said as part of efforts by his Organisation to contribute to children’s development on the continent, ORPED has developed a programme code-named “Million Balls Project for Africa.”

Mr Cobbina said the programme seeks to solicit and offer a million soccer balls free of charge as gifts to children across the continent, noting that, the beneficiaries will be selected from orphanages, schools, communities and child groups.

He explained that the balls will be solicited from prominent African personalities, stakeholders and corporate bodies “who believe that the gift of a soccer ball has the power to stimulate children and young people to greater heights and hope.”

Mr Cobbina said whilst the balls are being distributed, his organisation will also organise workshops and fora simultaneously to brainstorm on the need to promote the rights and developments of children, most of who are left to fend for themselves in the society without any hope.

The Executive Director said in view of the importance of the Programme, the Project would be implemented in all the 53 African Countries following the hosting of the World Cup Championship on the continent adding that a representative will be chosen in each of the countries for effective co-ordination and success of the Programme.

Mr. Cobbina added that the Project would further seek to ensure that one million trees are planted as well as one million reading books to be distributed across the continent and urged all well meaning Africans to support the Project which will be officially launched in the middle of October this year.