Welcome to the Worry Free World (WFW) website! We are an international association, headquartered in Lomé, Togo and also with an office in New York, USA, committed to promoting the balance between sport, health and education among young people. Our mission is to fight against school dropout in favor of football, by raising awareness and supporting young people in football so that they can continue their studies while developing their passion for this sport.
In Africa, dropping out of school for a career in football is a scourge that affects many young people. Lured by the promise of fame and wealth, many young footballers put aside their education, hoping to become sports stars. However, when their careers do not succeed as expected, they find themselves without a diploma or professional skills, limiting their opportunities for success. This lack of success pushes some to attempt illegal immigration to Europe or the United States, at their own risk. Once there, without an education, they encounter numerous obstacles, exacerbating their precarious situation. In addition, young girls who aspire to a career in football must face gender bias and stigma, which limits their access to equal opportunities.
SITUATION OF YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN IN THE WORLD OF SOCCER IN AFRICA
Young African footballers, both male and female, face significant challenges in their quest for sporting and academic success. About 50% of illegal immigrants found in Europe and the United States are footballers who have failed to break through in their careers and lack the education to retrain. Young women, for their part, face discrimination in sport, such as pay gaps, limited media coverage and gender stereotypes. They often have fewer resources and poorer facilities than their male counterparts, and they are underrepresented in positions of power in the sporting world. These discriminatory attitudes adopted against the opposite sex mainly by men who give themselves the best role in society at the expense of women who are relegated to second place is one of the major problems faced by girls and women passionate about football in a predominantly male environment that leaves little room for girls. However, the new generations are breaking the codes allowing the emancipation of women's football.
CAUSES OF THIS SITUATION IN AFRICA
This situation is rooted in several factors. Educational and sports infrastructure in Africa often lacks adequate support and funding, forcing young people to choose between studies and sports. Gender stereotypes and discrimination persist, limiting opportunities for young girls. In addition, the lack of awareness-raising and mentoring programs prevents young people from understanding the importance of balancing education and sports, increasing their vulnerability to illegal immigration.
OUR RESPONSE TO THIS SITUATION
We aspire to an ideal where every young African can fully flourish in his or her sporting and academic ambitions. To achieve this ideal, we implement various projects, programs and interventions:
• Promotion of Gender Equality: Awareness raising and concrete actions to ensure gender equality in sport, including education and the fight against gender stereotypes.
• Time Management Workshops: Training young people to effectively manage their time between studies and training.
• Conferences and Seminars: Interventions by professionals to raise awareness among young people about the importance of balancing studies and sport.
• Partnerships: Collaboration with educational institutions and sports clubs to develop adapted and innovative support programs and with organizations dealing with the same themes.
• Tutoring Program: Weekly sessions tailored to the specific needs of student athletes to maintain their academic performance.
• Coach training workshop: raise awareness and train coaches on the balance between education and sport and the impact of their involvement. Train them by providing them with strategies to effectively intervene on the subject with their students.
