Former Leone Stars Captain, Mohamed Kallon, has opened a ‘Children’s Charity Foundation’. This was disclosed by Percival Deigh, the Managing Director of Kallon Group of Companies.
According to MD, the Sierra Leone hero Mohamed Kallon of today, was a child yesterday; though under privileged and living in the streets, was able by chance and stroke of good fortune to get to this height and prominence.
As a result of this, he said, Kallon has established a charity for his country’s underprivileged children. He was underprivileged before, and today has been well favored and has done relatively very well.
He mentioned that the ‘Mohamed Kallon Foundation’ would be officially launched in December this year and plans are currently underway to secure a home within the City. Skilled and experienced foster parents would be employed to take care and provide an environment of comfort and solace for the kids; and they would cater for children between the ages of 6-14 years.
Deigh stressed that each region in the country would be represented in the selection of children with a tilt towards the girl child, and Kenema, being the home town of the Mohamed Kallon would be given preference.
He noted that Mohamed Kallon has spent some time roaming the streets of Freetown as a boy, doing menial jobs to earn his living. As he is now a successful professional footballer and in a position of relative financial strength, the AL Shaab FC hit man thinks he should help prevent other kids in the country from a deprived childhood, he said.
He maintained that growing up in the streets deprives children the golden opportunity of becoming who they really want to be in life.
Fortunately for Mohamed Kallon, football has helped him to become prominent; but how many of the kids in Sierra Leone would have such opportunity, he asked.
The foundation has already opened offices in Freetown, with Percival-Deigh as Director; with offices in the United Kingdom headed by former Leone Stars midfielder, Ibrahim ‘Inspector’ Bah.
The Board of Trustees includes Mohamed Kallon as President, Vannie Bockarie, Ibrahim Bah, and his wife Camellia Megan Bah, and John Conteh of Radio Kalleone.
The Patrons are George Opong Weah, Obamfemi Martins, Emmanuel Adebayor, Nwanko Kanu, Aki Noah and Brima Mazola Kamara.
The foundation is currently funded by Mohamed Kallon, who has already pre-committed proceeds from the sale of his soon-to-be released autobiography, titled the Gem.
The book is expected to be launched in all the countries Mohamed Kallon played as professional footballer. The countries include Italy, France and host of others and would be translated into various languages.
“By doing so, we expect to not only publicize Mohamed Kallon’s profile as one of Africa most traveled footballers, but also to promote a good image of our country”, the MD noted.