This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup brought renewed hope and excitement to the country. For Nawej, who once spent his days working in the mines, seeing his country reach such a milestone strengthened his belief in the opportunities that can open up for young people when they get the right support.
In Kolwezi, in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s demand for cobalt has shaped everyday life for thousands of families. For many children, it also means a childhood spent in hazardous mining sites instead of classrooms or playgrounds.
Nawej Koj Jeff was one of them.
Before he dreamed of representing his country, his days were spent working in the mines. Like many children in the region, his future seemed to be defined by hardship rather than opportunity.
Yet, even then, he never gives up on his dream, and that determination found the support needed when he met the Bon Pasteur Kolwezi team.
“I love football, When I started playing, I took my training very seriously and gave everything I had in every session. Through hard work, personal commitment and determination, I was able to turn football from a passion into a profession”Nawej recalls.
Watch Nawej’s story in his own words in the video below:
Through the intervention of Bon Pasteur Kolwezi, GSIF’s local partner, Nawej was able to leave child labour behind and join Standard, a local football club. More than a place to play, the club became a safe environment where he could rebuild his confidence, develop his talent, and begin imagining a different future.
“Bon Pasteur helped us a lot,” he says. “They gave us sports equipment and advice about teamwork and values. Their guidance helped me.”
Supported by dedicated coaches and mentors, Nawej committed himself fully to football. His hard work paid off when he became the top scorer of the Kolwezi Junior Championship, a performance that earned him a place in the DR Congo U18 national team. Today, his talent is attracting the attention of leading clubs in Kinshasa, and the RDC’s World Cup Journey has strengthened his determination to pursue his passion and build a future in football.
“When DR Congo qualified for the World Cup, it gave young people like me the courage to dream bigger,” he explains.
Today, Nawej hopes to continue growing as a player while inspiring other young people in his community to believe in their own potential. When children are given the opportunity to thrive, they inspire hope and strengthen their communities.
A child’s journey extends far beyond the classroom. When children are supported in all aspects of their lives — including their wellbeing, talents and personal interests — they are able to discover their strengths, build confidence and imagine new possibilities for themselves.
At GSIF, we believe that every child deserves to grow in an environment that allows them to flourish. Through holistic support that nurtures their wellbeing and aspirations, children like Nawej are empowered to rediscover their potential and take an active in shaping their own future.
