In the heart of Kono, Sierra Leone, a beacon of hope shines bright amidst the challenges faced by its population. The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, founded by the visionary Antonio Rüdiger, stands as a testament to the power of determination and community spirit. With a mission to promote educational opportunities, wellness, and sports development programs for Primary and Secondary schools in Sierra Leone.
Through innovative fundraising initiatives and partnerships with local and international organizations, the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation is making tangible strides in transforming lives. From building schools and providing scholarships to promoting healthcare access and fostering athletic talent, Antonio Rüdiger’s vision is not merely a dream but a reality unfolding before the eyes of the people of Kono. As the foundation continues to grow and expand its reach, it serves as a beacon of inspiration, igniting hope and paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s population.
Outside the pitch Antonio Rüdiger has made himself a name within Philantrophy and Community Engagement by starting the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, which actively supports educational projects in his families country of origin Sierra Leone. He was recently recognized with a nomination for the Socrates Award, an award that honors players engagement in philanthropy outside of sports. Beyond this, he also donated all his earnings from the 2022 World Cup to give life-saving surgery to 11 children suffering from congenital clubfoot in Sierra Leone. Antonio Rüdiger’s philanthropic work separates him from celebrity mystique and humanizes an undeniably talented footballer into a conscientious member of society.
Born in Sierra Leone and raised in Berlin, Sahr Senesie rose from professional football with Borussia Dortmund to a co-founding partner at FSB Spielerberatung where they have guided stars like Antonio Rüdiger and other successful Soccer superstars. Beyond sports, he has built ventures in real estate, marketing, logistics, and FMCG (LETS SPECIFY) across Africa. Through the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, he champions education, health, and youth development, cementing his influence as both an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.
Born in Kono, Sierra Leone, and raised in Virginia, Patrick Kamara built a career in finance after studying at James Madison University and earning advanced degrees in Finance and Real Estate from Campbell and Georgetown. He has held roles at Credit Suisse, Fannie Mae, and the World Bank Treasury. Beyond finance, he champions philanthropy through school supply drives in Sierra Leone and serves on the board of the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation.
As Director of Operations at the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, Dianto Bangura leads initiatives across Education Development, Sports Development, and Health & Wellness to empower underserved communities. He oversees programs that expand access to quality education through scholarships and school improvements, support young athletes with training and mentorship, and enhance healthcare accessibility and well-being. Committed to driving meaningful change, Dianto ensures the foundation’s mission is effectively implemented to create lasting impact.
As Marketing Director of the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, Haniel Dogbe amplifies its mission to empower lives through education, sports, and community development. He leads branding, campaigns, and content strategy, blending creativity with data-driven insights to mobilize support, grow awareness, and inspire meaningful change.
Jay Mansallay is the Operations Coordinator for the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation in Sierra Leone, overseeing logistics, supply chain management, and community engagement to ensure the effective execution of the foundation’s initiatives. Committed to community development, he manages the procurement and distribution of essential resources such as educational supplies, healthcare materials, and food assistance. Jay also acts as a vital link between the foundation and local communities, fostering relationships, tracking project progress, and ensuring transparency for continuous improvement.
Ansana Sesay oversees youth initiatives at the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, advancing education, life skills, and leadership development in Sierra Leone.
Born in Germany to Sierra Leonean parents, he is committed to creating opportunities for young people, reflecting the Foundation’s mission to promote education, health, and sports across the country.
Learn more about the life changing impact our foundation has on the future of Sierra Leone’s youth.
In Kono, Sierra Leone, Mariana received a box of donated education supplies just before the term’s final exams. Among the books and pencils was a bright blue calculator, something she had never owned before. With these tools, she studied fervently each night, solving math problems that had once seemed impossible. On exam day, Mariana’s confidence soared, and she aced her tests with flying colors. Her success not only surprised her teachers but also inspired her classmates, showing them the power of proper resources and hard work.
In Koidu, Sierra Leone, Fatou and her brothers received a box of donated education supplies, including notebooks, pens, and textbooks. With these new resources, the siblings transformed their evenings into study sessions, eagerly absorbing knowledge together. Fatou, with a newfound love for science, began conducting small experiments, while her brothers delved into history and math. Their collective improvement in school was remarkable, earning praise from their teachers and respect from their peers. The donated supplies not only enhanced their education but also deepened their bond, igniting a shared dream of a brighter future.