Édouard Mendy has taken a decisive step beyond his footballing success by committing to improve educational opportunities for children in Dakar, Senegal.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champion visited Yakar School in Keur Massar on Saturday, where he announced a major philanthropic initiative to expand and modernize the institution.
Situated in a densely populated and underserved district of the capital, Yakar School provides education for children from low-income families.
Mendy, whose parents still reside in the neighbourhood, has now become an official patron of the school.
His support will enable a substantial increase in student enrolment, raising capacity from 60 to 200 pupils.
“This initiative is very important to me,” said Mendy during his visit. “I want to give back to the community that shaped me and offer children here a real chance to succeed.”
The former Chelsea and current Al-Ahli goalkeeper’s involvement doesn’t stop at infrastructure.
In collaboration with the tech startup Revibe, Mendy is helping to equip the school with modern digital tools to elevate learning standards.
The institution will soon receive tablets, laptops, and access to the PowerZ educational platform, a learning resource that offers interactive content in subjects such as mathematics, history, geography, and more.
The atmosphere during Mendy’s visit was one of celebration and connection.
He toured the school’s modest classrooms, exchanged ideas with educators, and engaged with students in a series of interactive educational games, leaving a lasting impression on pupils and teachers alike.
Educators at Yakar praised Mendy’s involvement, describing it as transformative.
“This gesture will change the lives of many children in this community,” said one teacher. “It’s not just about the materials—his presence and encouragement mean everything.”
Mendy’s initiative has been widely lauded in Senegal, with many praising the national team goalkeeper for using his platform to impact lives off the pitch.
His actions come at a time when access to quality education remains a challenge in many parts of the country, particularly for disadvantaged families.
As Senegal prepares for future competitions on the football field, Mendy has already scored a different kind of victory—one that could shape generations to come through the power of education.
