The sport of soccer is universal and, in many ways, is a common thread that bridges language barriers and various points of view.

Possibilities without Borders – a local non-profit organization supporting international causes – and students at the College of Charleston School of Business are utilizing the popularity of soccer to bring educational and advancement opportunities to Cameroon, Africa. 

Possibilities Without Borders’ fifth annual A Global Affair Gala and Silent Auction will raise vital funds for the Kick It Forward project, which will provide the necessary school supplies for thousands of students in Cameroon while using soccer to incentivize and connect with the kids.  The black-tie event will be held on Saturday, October 20th from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Beatty Center on the College of Charleston campus.  

“While public education is free for children in Cameroon, families often do not see value in their kids attending when they could be supporting the family by working in the fields,” said Sebastian Steadman, co-founder and Executive Director of PWB and College of Charleston alumnus. “Through Kick It Forward, Possibilities Without Borders will provide students the opportunity to directly provide assistance to children and women in this region of Africa.”

 Specifically, the project will send students to Bafousam, Cameroon this spring in order to deliver 3,000 school care packages and 200 soccer balls to be used in schools, villages and community centers to reward kids for attending school. Additionally, the students will be involved in creating village education programs about the benefits of water sanitation while also providing micro-loans to women seeking to become entrepreneurs.

 Possibilities Without Borders was established to provide additional means for College of Charleston students to become involved in international service-learning and to connect with members of the Charleston community. Previous projects have focused on providing clean drinking water, medical supplies and technology to various regions in Africa.

 pportunities to support this cause are still available by becoming a sponsor or donating to the silent auction. Tickets are $55 in advance and a limited number of tickets will be sold. The ticket link and additional information is available on the Possibilities Without Borders website: www.possibilitieswithoutborders.org. 

WHAT:            A Global Affair Gala & Silent Auction Benefitting Kick It Forward

WHEN:            Saturday, October 25, 7-10 p.m.

WHERE:         Beatty Center, College of Charleston

WHY:              Tickets purchased for $55 each plus all funds from the silent auction will help bridge the education gap in Cameroon, Africa by utilizing the sport of soccer