The project, which also included the creation of changing rooms, is part of the BAI Foundation's 'Rehabilitation of Spaces for Sports Practice' project, which aims to provide young people with a suitable environment for practicing sports and developing leadership skills, spirit of team and resilience.
“This is a project that we are very proud of. It was a few months' work, which involved several entities and partners. When we entered this Youth House we found a very good and functional structure, but it needed small support so that it could not only be a catalyst for talent, but also bring other resources to the Viana community, notably sports”, said Tchissola Mosquito, administrator delegate of the BAI Foundation.
With the rehabilitation and modernization of the swimming pool, which has been inoperative for around four years, the BAI Foundation intends to contribute to the integral development of young people in the municipality of Viana, which is currently one of the most populous in Luanda, they say, in a statement sent to VerAngola.
“We intend to increase the involvement of young people in sporting activities with the guidance of specialized coaches. To this end, and in addition to the rehabilitation of the space, the BAI Foundation will also provide training and preparation for these technicians. Often the facilities exist and the teams are assembled, but then there is a lack of a process to make them work properly. We have to involve everyone. Not only the most needy community, but everyone who can find in this structure a channel of salvation for their lives”, said the managing director, also highlighting that the inauguration has “an even more special meaning” as it precedes the anniversary of the BAI Foundation, celebrated in November 14th.
The renovation of the swimming pool and sports court at Casa da Juventude de Viana aims to promote inclusion and provide a conducive environment for the development of social and personal skills, and it is expected that the initiative will have a lasting impact on the community, encouraging young people to develop a proactive, collaborative and resilient attitude.
“Today, the challenge of positively occupying young people through the practice of sport is only possible by offering services and equipment that allow practice and safe use in an environment of human dignity”, highlighted Elisabete Carrilho, national director of Infrastructure , representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, thanking the BAI Foundation for its “total intention and willingness to continue working together to materialize other projects and programs to support youth and sport”.
The manager of the Viana Youth House, João Panga-Panga, highlighted that “this inauguration reflects a feeling of satisfaction and a feeling of gratitude”. “It is true that the Youth House is the biggest entertainment space for young people, and what we have done day after day is to bring back what was once the dream of these young people. And because of a partnership with the BAI Foundation, we were able to materialize this work.”
According to João Panga-Panga, in the first phase, the pool will be used for training. “We are going to start promoting swimming classes, and we are also going to expand Casa da Juventude’s relationships with its partners, so that some educational institutions can use this pool. Our goal is to train young people and athletes so that they can participate in major swimming competitions. We want the Youth House to be a space that gives opportunities and opens doors for young athletes, capable of representing Angola.”
