A’DAM&Co.connects: Alexander Webb about KLABU, creativity in sports and his lessons in life

05/05/2022

We would like to introduce you with A’DAM&Co.connects, where we interview our members and what creative projects they work on. This week, meet Alexander Webb. He works for KLABU, a social enterprise that builds sports clubs in refugee camps.

What is KLABU?

What is KLABU?

Alexander explains that basic needs in refugee camps, such as clothing, food and education are often provided. However, considering 50% of people in refugee camps are under 18 years old, KLABU believes that there should be more to life than just survival. Through sport, it hopes to improve the lives of refugees by improving physical and mental wellbeing and bringing people together.

The first KLABU is located in Northern Kenya and they will soon be expanding to other locations where there is need for sport. With every new location, comes a KLABU kit. KLABU’s projects are in part funded by its own sportswear company, the proceeds of which directly support their work in refugee camps.

“You know you are doing something good with the foundation, but when we got there, we really saw how important it is to have sports facilities. Together with Paris Saint Germain we have made a plan to create a club center where children can train, learn and be together.”

Creativity in sports

In addition, Alexander explains that creativity plays a very important role in his life. Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes, but for Alexander and KLABU the creativity is deeply integrated into sports. Sports itself is of course a form of creativity. But there are all kinds of peripheral matters involved in sports that provide creative expressions. For example, they design the KLABU shirts together with the refugee children, making the shirts even more personal, ensuring people feel really connected by the(ir) shirts.

 

His lessons in life

His lessons in life

Alexander has experienced many special moments since he started working with refugees. He has been to the largest refugee camp in the world, in Bangladesh. KLABU is busy setting up a second location there. For that reason, it was the perfect moment for Alexander to go visit Bangladesh.

When we asked Alexander for his most important lesson, he answered: “We find ourselves complaining quite a lot about our lives, while we actually have nothing to complain about. Things are sometimes unfair, but the problems we have are nothing compared to those of refugees. They leave everything behind and try to build their lives in a new place. We should be thankful for the life we ​​live, and that we are in a safe place.”

Advice for A'DAM&Co. members

Advice for A'DAM&Co. members

His advice for A’DAM&Co. members is therefore to join KLABU, a great organization that improves the future of refugees. By the way, KLABU organizes workouts every Tuesday at 17:45 in Amsterdam West for locals and refugees to bond over sport. This is an open event where anyone can attend so it’s the perfect time to meet new people and hear their stories. The A’DAM&Co. team is definitely going soon. Will we see you there?! More information can be found on the KLABU website.

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