5P Europe Foundation: New Initiative for African Children

(IN BRIEF) The Vatican World Leaders’ Summit on Children’s Rights in February 2025 showcased several initiatives for protecting children worldwide. One key project, led by Robert Szustkowski of the 5P Europe Foundation, focuses on promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle for children and youth in Africa. The initiative includes building 100 sports zones in Gambia to enhance physical fitness, social skills, and educational opportunities, with plans to expand to regions like Ukraine and Palestine. The project, which has received the endorsement of Pope Francis, underscores the summit’s call to “Love them and protect them.” Additionally, Szustkowski’s dedication was recognized through his nomination to the Papal Committee for World Day of Children.

(PRESS RELEASE) VATICAN, 7-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Vatican World Leaders’ Summit on Children’s Rights, held in February 2025, brought forward many inspiring initiatives aimed at protecting the youngest. In particular, one initiative caught the attention of the international community: the project by the 5P Europe Foundation, conceived and funded by Robert Szustkowski, the Foundation’s Ambassador. This initiative, which focuses on promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle among children and youth in Africa, has the potential to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people.

The event was attended by prominent international political and social leaders (including Queen Rania of Jordan, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University in Cairo Ahmed el-Tayeb, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, and Interpol Chief Ahmed Naser al-Raisi) was presided by Pope Francis, who actively participated in discussions about the future of children worldwide. The aim of the summit was to find new, effective methods of supporting and protecting children who continue to face poverty, violence, exploitation, and the denial of their basic rights. In his speech, Pope Francis reminded everyone that 14,000 children die every day from preventable causes, and the summit’s motto became the words: “Love them and protect them.”

One of the outcomes of the discussions was a groundbreaking initiative that received widespread support: the 5P Europe Foundation’s project, which aims to improve the living conditions of children in Africa through sport.

The 5P Europe Foundation Initiative

The Ambassador of the 5P Europe Foundation, Robert Szustkowski, presented a pilot project that includes the construction of 100 sports zones for children in Gambia – one of the poorest countries in the world. The Foundation, which has been promoting physical activity among children for years, chose Gambia as the first location for its initiative. Each of the new zones will feature exercise equipment, such as pull-up bars, gymnastics bars, and other gear to support the physical and muscular development of children.

The goal of the project is not only to improve the physical fitness of the youngest but also to provide them with access to healthy habits that could impact their future. The 5P Europe Foundation emphasizes that sport is key not only for physical health but also for the development of social and educational skills. This project forms part of the support for education, aiming to positively influence children in Gambia by offering them an alternative to the daily challenges they face. “This is a very important step towards a better future for children in Gambia. The project, which has received the approval of Pope Francis, is a reflection of concern for the health, development, and education of the young generation in one of the world’s poorest regions,” said Robert Szustkowski.
After the successful implementation of the project in Gambia, the 5P Europe Foundation plans to expand the program to other regions, including Ukraine and Palestine. Foundation representatives emphasize that sport is a universal language that can unite children from different cultures and provide them with a better future.

Robert Szustkowski’s Nomination to the Papal Committee for World Day of Children

For his dedication to helping children worldwide, Robert Szustkowski has been honored with a nomination as a member of the Papal Committee for World Day of Children. This institution was established by Pope Francis to promote children’s rights worldwide. This distinction highlights Szustkowski’s significant commitment to global humanitarian initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the youngest. “I deeply appreciate this opportunity and remain fully committed to our shared vision of a world in which the dignity, rights, and potential of every child are nurtured and protected,” emphasized Robert Szustkowski upon accepting the nomination.

Media contact:
office@5peurope.org

Website:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What was the Vatican World Leaders’ Summit on Children’s Rights?
A: It was a global meeting held in February 2025, where international leaders gathered to discuss and promote new methods to protect and support children facing poverty, violence, exploitation, and basic rights violations.

Q: Who is Robert Szustkowski?
A: Robert Szustkowski is the Ambassador of the 5P Europe Foundation and the visionary behind the initiative to promote sports and healthy lifestyles among children in Africa. His efforts in this area earned him a nomination to the Papal Committee for World Day of Children.

Q: What is the primary goal of the 5P Europe Foundation initiative?
A: The initiative aims to improve the living conditions and future prospects of children by encouraging physical fitness, social development, and healthy habits through the construction of sports zones.

Q: How many sports zones are planned, and where will the project begin?
A: The project plans to construct 100 sports zones, with Gambia being the first target due to its challenging socioeconomic conditions.

Q: Why is promoting sports important for children in this initiative?
A: Sports are viewed as a universal language that not only improves physical health but also fosters social skills, education, and a sense of community—providing children with a positive alternative to daily hardships.

Q: Are there plans to expand the project beyond Gambia?
A: Yes, after successful implementation in Gambia, the Foundation plans to extend the program to other regions, including Ukraine and Palestine.

Q: What role did Pope Francis play in the summit and the initiative?
A: Pope Francis presided over the summit and actively participated in discussions about protecting children worldwide. He also endorsed the 5P Europe Foundation’s initiative, lending it significant moral and global support.

Q: What recognition did Robert Szustkowski receive for his work?
A: In recognition of his dedication to children’s rights and global humanitarian efforts, Robert Szustkowski was nominated to the Papal Committee for World Day of Children, an honor established by Pope Francis.

SOURCE: 5P Europe