Frederic Kanoute was introduced to the various programmes and initiatives of Qatar Foundation during the visit.


Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) yesterday hosted international football star Frederic Oumar Kanoute.
A welcoming committee received Kanoute, who currently plays for the Chinese Super League team Beijing Guoan FC, at the QF Visitors’ Centre.
The French-born Malian footballer has played for several of Europe’s top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Lyon and Sevilla, as well as Mali’s national team. A devout Muslim and supporter of many humanitarian causes, he established the Kanoute Foundation in 2006 to promote causes close to his heart.
In 2010, the charity opened its flagship project, Sakina Children’s Village in Mali, which currently houses more than 60 orphans and provides them with access to education, health and sports facilities. Kanoute recently arrived in Qatar to accept the position of goodwill ambassador for Qatar Charity.
He was introduced to QF’s many educational initiatives, community development plans and scientific research programmes through a presentation that outlined the vision and mission of the foundation. The footballer was then briefed on QF’s various sustainability initiatives and climate action solutions. After the presentation, he was shown a 3D scale model of the current buildings and construction projects underway at QF.
“I am extremely impressed with Qatar Foundation’s vision to move from a carbon economy to a knowledge economy by investing in education, research and community development. The visit has been inspirational, as it is similar to the work we do at Kanoute Foundation, where we focus on education and development in Mali. Our beliefs at Kanoute Foundation echo those of Qatar Foundation. We believe that the best way to ensure a sustainable future is to invest in education and in our people,” said Kanoute. “Qatar Foundation is playing a very important role in the development of Qatar and the region by supplying a high level of education, which, in turn, provides youth with an incredible amount of opportunities in Qatar and globally.”
As the tour came to an end, Kanoute signed the visitors’ book and presented the QF representatives with a signed football shirt.