Real Madrid star visits Plan projects in Mali

Spanish soccer captain Iker Casillas with his sponsored child Bourama

Last week Iker Casillas, captain of the Spanish soccer team and goalkeeper for Real Madrid, enjoyed a kick-around with some very excited children in Mali as part of a visit to highlight Plan’s work.

Over three days Casillas, 28, visited two communities in the West African nation as part of his ongoing collaboration with Plan. He is a child sponsor through Plan’s Spanish office and has been campaigning with Plan since 2008 when he made a visit to Peru that he called “moving and unforgettable”.

Casillas was accompanied in his visits by Spanish model Eugenia Silvia. Among other things, Silvia is a brand ambassador for Giorgio Armani and Chopard, and she is also a Plan supporter.

Tackling violence

Casillas visited the communities of Sanambele and Bougoula, both in the Kati area of Mali. Here he learnt more about current Plan projects, particularly the Learn Without Fear campaign, which is attempting to tackle all forms of violence in schools.

He also visited the child he sponsors through Plan, a three-year-old boy named Bourama.

Casillas said: “It is wonderful how organisations like Plan contribute to better the lives of families and kids like Bourama who now have a health centre available to them 24 hours a day.”

After playing a game of soccer with a group of children, Casillas spoke of his enthusiasm for the work that is being supported by Plan.

“I am truly amazed by the initiatives in your communities,” he said. “My belief is reinforced to pursue these activities with Plan International to improve the lives of these children who have no clean drinking water, not enough classrooms and adequate access to health care. I will continue to seek the co-operation of all to allow these children access to education and welfare.”

Kids Waves

Casillas later participated in a children’s football match and a Kids Waves radio broadcast. Kids Waves is a radio show produced by children in Plan-supported communities and broadcast to millions of listeners in eight countries across West Africa.

The shows - supported by a partnership between Plan and Nokia - discuss children’s rights and give the children a chance to air their opinions and educate their communities. Live recordings are very popular and each one is attended by about 2000 people.

Spokesperson for Plan in Mali, Thiekoro Coulibaly, said: “It is an honour for a top personality like Iker Casillas to visit Mali and assist in the campaign for the rights of the child.”

Learn more about Plan's work in Mali