Douala: Orange Cameroun uses sports to promote responsible digital practices.

The initiative, rolled out simultaneously across several countries where the Orange Group operates, is aimed at educating children and their parents on the responsible use of digital technologies, through the unifying power of sport.

Held in collaboration with the National Football Academy, ANAFOOT, the initiative brought together over 300 children aged 10 to 15, their parents, and Orange Cameroun staff volunteers for a day filled with interactive and educational activities. “Indeed an event like this is a melting pot of culture, a moment of enthusiasm for children to make friends, to share, all in education and amusement,” said Vassilios Esseme, Head of ANAFOOT Littoral Region. 

Via a mix of sports, workshops, and dynamic discussions led by inspiring personalities, participants were encouraged to adopt healthier digital habits and foster open conversations within families about online safety.

According to Charles Mbassi, Head of Institutional Relations and Security and representative of the Director of Institutional Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility of Orange: “The primary goal of this initiative is to provide large-scale awareness on critical aspects of child online protection. This includes information on children's rights, existing digital safety policies, and the services offered by Orange Cameroun to promote a secure digital environment for the youth”. He expressed hope that the lessons learned would empower families to cultivate safer and more balanced digital lifestyles, in line with Orange’s broader mission.

The “For Good Connections Day” is part of a larger campaign under the For Good Connections programme, which focuses on addressing major societal challenges brought about by digital technology. 

The programme specifically targets pressing issues affecting young users, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and excessive screen time leading to digital addiction.

Invited at the event ground was former Indomitable Lion, Salomon Olembe, who schooled the teenagers on the effects of the digital space, especially on their career. 

He said: “For a moment, one needs to disconnect from the digital space, one needs to know how to manage it, one needs to stay in control - these are children. We as parents also need to ensure that they stay connected in a way that is safe, so that children do not fall into what we call addiction”.

Just like him, another guest, Annette Ngo Dom, former Indomitable Lioness, with eight years of experience as goalkeeper of the national female football team, stressed on precaution to be observed in today’s digital age.

"We are in a world where connection is essential, and this has been evolving for several years. Today, what I would say to children is that they shouldn't stay connected as much as possible because we know what we can find on social media today, so precaution is a necessity,” Annette Ngo said. 

The success of the 2024 edition has set the tone for this year’s, which marks the start of an international awareness campaign. From now through July 2025, similar events will unfold across 25 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with the ambitious objective of reaching around 16,000 children and their parents.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3456 of Monday May 26, 2025