Johnson Academy founder dies

The Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (CCPH) which has had a long association with the Johnson Academy (Academia do Johnson), has reacted to the death of its founder, Johnson Semedo who died on 30 November 2022.

“It is with great sadness that we learned that Johnson Semedo, founder of the Academia do Johnson past away on the November 30, 2022. The Dutch Portuguese Chamber of Commerce had the privilege to know the work of the Academy up close and to accompany its work”, says Marjon van Dinther, Executive Director of the CCPH.
João Semedo Tavares, was a mentor for young people from deprived neighbourhoods around Lisbon. Through his work, he positively changed the lives of many children that take part in the Academy’s activities.
The Johnson Academy is the result of the perseverance and teachings that life gave to João Semedo, better known as Johnson. Born in Cova da Moura, Johnson had a very hard and adverse life path, with some deviant behaviour that even led him to be imprisoned.
After changing his life, Johnson focused on applying his personal experience in order to prevent risky situations for other young people in precarious situations. It was in 2014 that the opportunity arose to open its own Association, in order to dedicate itself to young people from the most varied neighbourhoods in the Amadora, Cova da Moura, Buraca and Boavista areas. Thanks to sport and the positive influence that Johnson had on the teams he works with, these young people gained recognition among their peers, but they have also internalised citizenship values that open up new horizons for them and can take them further as people.

The Johnson Academy relies on donations for much of its funding in helping young people from challenging backgrounds and deprived neighbourhoods. Donations can be made to:
ASSOCIACAO ACADEMIA JOHNSON SEMEDO
IBAN PT50 0035 0647 00003762730 15
BIC SWIFT: CGDIPTPL.