Roger Federer launches child education centre in Malawi

Tennis star Roger Federer  has  launched a children’s programme in Malawi funded by his charity foundation, saying he was keen to help one of the poorest countries in the world.

The world’s number two player jetted in the capital Lilongwe on Sunday and posted snaps on Twitter saying it was the first time that he had paid a visit to the ‘warm heart of Africa’ Malawi.

In one photo, Federer was seen interacting with kids.  He also didn’t forget to pose for a selfie and shared the picture to his more than three million followers on the popular social networking website.

Working with international charity Action Aid, Federer’s foundation has been working in six districts in Malawi since 2011 and aims to reach 135,000 children by 2021.

Federer said hildren are the future of the world and he strongly enjoy being able to provide support to their education.

“I think it’s really important that every child should have this (education) opportunity,” Federer said. “So I am trying to help as much as I can.”

Child malnutrition is a pressing issue in Malawi, where more than half of children aged between 18 and 23 months suffer from stunted growth, according to a recent study.

According to a statement posted on Roger Federer Foundation, the World No. 2 has partnered with DAPP, a local non-government organisation, to promote a successful transition from early education to primary school and to end to dropout crisis in the rural communities.