Monrovia, Liberia—June 9, 2025 — Youth for Tennis, in collaboration with the U.S.-based Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Foundation, continues its mission of introducing tennis to learning institutions across Liberia—completely free of charge.
The most recent outreach took place on Friday, June 6, at Light Streams Academy Elementary, Junior, and Senior High School, located on Pagos Island in Oldest Congo Town, Montserrado County. Students and faculty warmly welcomed the initiative, which featured hands-on coaching, equipment demonstrations, and an introduction to the fundamentals of tennis.
This event is part of Youth for Tennis’ broader campaign to promote physical education, discipline, and healthy lifestyles among Liberian youth through sport. The organization has received widespread praise for making tennis accessible in communities where it has traditionally been less visible.
Promoting Health and Preventing Social Challenges
At the launch, Alfred Kandarkai, the local program coordinator, emphasized that the initiative is not only about sports but also about addressing critical social issues.
“Our goal is to make tennis popular in Liberia by starting with learning institutions. More importantly, we aim to use the program to spread awareness and prevent teenage pregnancy, early sex, and child marriage,” Kandarkai said.
He also reassured schools and parents that the program comes at no financial cost, making it inclusive and accessible.
“This program is completely free for any school that wishes to implement it,” he added.
School Welcomes Initiative
Reverend David Saa Fatoma, Jr., Proprietor of Light Streams Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative.
“I wholeheartedly support this program and will work closely with Youth for Tennis and the PTR Foundation to make sure it becomes a permanent part of our school activities,” he said.
Rev. Fatoma noted how excited the students were during the introductory session and even demonstrated his own enthusiasm by participating in the drills.
“Even I became a champion on day one!” he joked. “You saw how I was topping the ball—it energized the entire ceremony!”
While acknowledging that tennis is not yet as popular in Liberia as football, Fatoma expressed optimism that consistent engagement and school-based programs like this can change that trend.
He also committed to exploring how tennis could be incorporated into the school’s Physical Education curriculum.
“We may be nearing the end of the current academic year, but I’m open to working with the foundation to plan for next year and determine how many days per week the sessions can be scheduled,” he said.
Emphasizing Holistic Education
Rev. Fatoma concluded by reiterating the importance of sports in education.
“Study without play makes Jack a dull boy. Our students deserve more than just academic instruction. Extracurricular activities like tennis are vital to their holistic development,” he said.
The initiative continues to build momentum as Youth for Tennis and the PTR Foundation work toward their vision of a healthier, more active, and socially empowered generation in Liberia—one school at a time.
