Lukaku back to school

Students at a local school received a helping hand with their French studies today, when Everton striker Romelu Lukaku dropped by after training.

The Belgian international visited a school in Toxteth to help a group of 13-14 year-olds to hone their French-speaking skills by answering a range of questions about life as a footballer, his thoughts on Liverpool as a city and how he has adapted to living in England.

In his role as Kick It Out ambassador, Lukaku was eager to help the students in their quest to become bilingual and also to help them understand more about different cultures.

Everton’s support of Kick it Out is complemented by the work of Everton in the Community. All year round, the Blues’ official charity works with Kick It Out and other leading organisations to encourage equality and diversity across Merseyside.

The Toffees home fixture against Swansea City in March was designated to raise awareness for Kick It Out and a host of activities took place in and around the stadium to celebrate diversity across Merseyside, including interactive disabled football sessions, cultural street performers and special Kick It Out guard of honour with junior supporters.

20-year-old Lukaku, who is fluent in six different languages, said: “It’s so important for young people to broaden their horizons and find out more about cultures and countries that are different to theirs.

“Learning a language is just the first step, but it does help you to find out more about how others live and values they hold. More than anything, we have to respect our differences and embrace other cultures. These are the lessons that Kick It Out and Everton in the Community are trying to spread every day through their work in local communities.”

Assistant Principal of The Belvedere Academy, David Kavanagh, said: “Like Everton we’re dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting equality not only through the study of modern languages but in all aspects of our work.

“It’s a real treat for the pupils studying languages to have Romelu here today. At Belvedere, we strive to give the students opportunities to use their foreign languages in real life situations so having such a high-profile visitor will hopefully inspire them to carry on with their studies to A-Level and beyond.”

Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign, launched its Next 20 initiative for the 2013/14 season to help spread anti-racism messages across the country.

The initiative champions 20 young footballers, including Lukaku, and they have been out and about throughout the season to engage with young people through a varied set of activities, all with the sole aim of challenging discrimination and encouraging inclusive practices.