MARCH is a big month for former Saddlers' striker, Taiwo Atieno as not only will he make his International debut for Kenya and turn out for Puerto Rico Islanders in the next stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, but he will also press ahead with his plans to launch a charity that will help improve the conditions and equipment of a nursery in Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya.
The 23 year-old, who came through the ranks here at the Banks's Stadium, spent some time in his late father's homeland during January where he took over items of kit and Walsall FC memorabilia for local youngsters as well as helping out at the Blessing Nursery, which is run by his aunt.
It was a trip that has inspired him to look to make a difference and become a positive role-model. "To improve poverty, children must have the best possible chance of gaining knowledge at a young age," he said. "The nursery is extremely important for the youngsters as it shapes them as a person, allowing personal, social, physical and creative development as well as teaching them the basics of language, literacy and numeracy.
"I took for granted the importance of my free education in the UK, but already at the age of between two and six, these kids understand the importance of pens, pencils and books to their lives.
"The conditions are poor; there is limited space and just three teachers to supervise 74 children. Many of the parents can't afford the term fee of £2.07p, which means that the teachers struggle to earn let alone pay the £12 monthly rent to keep the nursery open.
"It certainly opened my eyes and has given me the inspiration to do something to help. I am currently working with the teachers to set up a charity that will benefit the local community.
"I also took time out whilst I was over there to visit Gor Mahia, the football club that my late father supported. They are a professional outfit with reserve and youth teams and a stadium that can hold 15,000 people.
"They are one of the two biggest clubs in the country, winning the League 11 times and the Kenyan Cup eight times as well as being the only Kenyan club to win an African continental title. They have struggled in recent times both on and off-the-field and were keen to take on board ideas about modern training methods and marketing strategies.
"I also met the coach of the National Team who had tremendous passion and enthusiasm for football and said some positive things about my game after I scored two goals in a trial match.
"I have been asked to make my International debut for them this month and this will give me so much pride. It will be an honour to represent the country and I want to put something back both on the football pitch and socially."
