Fejiri Okenabirhie joined more than 200 primary school children from Club Doncaster Foundation partner schools to take part in an anti-racism workshop hosted by Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) on EFL Day of Action.
The workshop was run by SRtRC founder and former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop with Okenabirhie and Belles’ defender Charlotte Dinsdale joining the call to answer pupil’s questions.
The event took place on EFL Day of Action – a day when all 72 football clubs from across League One, League Two and the Championship come together to highlight the work of their Club Charity Organisations (CCOs). This work has been even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As well as all the incredible work the Foundation have been doing to tackle loneliness throughout the pandemic, they also work with 30 schools in Doncaster and the surrounding areas. They engage with more than 3,800 participants per week in their schools programme.
The SRtRC event was another example of the amazing contribution the Foundation make to the borough of Doncaster with students from Brooke Primary Academy and Marshland Primary Academy enjoying a unique and valuable experience.
Kelly Jackson-Powell, sport development officer at the Foundation said: “These types of workshops are brilliant for the children. They got the chance to speak to two footballers from Rovers and the Belles, as well as hearing from Shaka whose work is vital at Show Racism the Red Card.
“We’d like to thank Fejiri, Charlotte and Shaka for joining the children. The workshop was really insightful and very well received by everyone on the call.”
Okenabirhie – who is the club’s equality and diversity ambassador - added: “The most important thing in tackling racism is providing education and I think it’s important for children to hear about experiences of racism.
“I’m fortunate to be in this position as a player for Doncaster Rovers and so being able to speak to children from the town about these issues is something I’m happy to do. It’s important to speak to children at an early age because their understanding of racism now is going to shape how they treat others as they get older.”