Author: Karolina Letowska, PMP
An unforgettable experience during “Project Management – Skills for Life” in Nairobi
The Project Management profession is changing; as a practice Project Management is evolving and as a specified role it will merge and grow with other roles with the diverse nature of responsibilities associated with it.
Project Management knowledge and skills are (and will remain to be) in demand, but they are slowly moving into the direction of general knowledge and skills for the next generation, a self-reliant and self-managed workforce. At the same time, Project Management as a profession will move more towards a people centric and leadership practice, where collaboration and co-creation will become the norm.
The Football Foundation for Africa is leading the way to a world where Project Management knowledge and skills can be applied and taught regardless of social, economic or hierarchical status.
Born out of the Obama Cup, The Football Foundation for Africa (FFA) is an international social enterprise seeking to drive investments into the development of grassroots football in Africa. The ultimate goal is to create employment opportunities while at the same time enhancing the employability of young adults in Africa through football. The organization works with 3 key pillars: Education, Infrastructure and Governance.
They are transforming the landscape through social good and educational foundation initiatives, where Project Management knowledge has been applied to support communities to help them overcome challenges rising from inequality or economical restraints by organizing a football tournament in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament was preceded by a two day workshop where they were introduced to different project management principles and how to apply these techniques to help them succeed and reach their goals as volunteers.
As a football, adventure, volunteering and project management enthusiasts I couldn’t say NO to the Football Foundation for Africa when I was asked to lead the two day Project Management workshop in Nairobi by Brian Wesaala (Founder and CEO of FFA). The “Project Management – Skills for Life” workshop was facilitated by Ms. Janet Mbula from PMI Kenya and myself (representing PMI Switzerland). The initiative was positively received by participants as a welcome initiative by the organizers.
Furthermore, workshops such as these are seen as a way of injecting further professionalism into the football industry from a grassroots level. The 19 participants were chosen from the tournament’s community of stakeholders including the organizing committee, participating teams, partners and sponsors. The workshop was opened by PMI Kenya president, Mr. Clement Kitetu, who was keen to collaborate further and create more strategic engagements between sport and the project management practice. This is a sure way of promoting growth in the industry and ultimately creating opportunities for young adults in Africa.
The FFA is exploring collaboration with other Project Management associations and non-government organizations / associations to adapt and change the project management profession to keep the Project Management relevant.
To find out more about Football Foundation for Africa you can visit the page: https://footballfoundation.africa/
