1 GOAL : Education For All Campaign launched at Wembley Stadium- UK
17-11-2009
Wembley Stadium – After months of intense preparation the 1GOAL campaign was finally launched today. The campaign was launched in a high profile ceremony by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. She was flanked by 9 year old Gugu Ngubane from South Africa who became the first person to sign up for the campaign.
Gugu clearly stole the show when she said “ School is fun and I want to help make sure every child in Africa can go to school like me”
1 GOAL : Education for all is a GCE-FIFA 2010 World Cup initiative aimed at ensuring that all children receive an education.
FIFA was represented by its head of Corporate Social Responsibility Frederico Addiechi in a ceremony that was hosted by BBC sports broadcaster Gary Lineker and witnessed by star footballers from all over the world. The event was also attended by South African national team captain Aaron Mokoena who emphasized the importance of education and signed up for the 1 GOAL campaign.
1 GOAL has one purpose: to ensure that the 75 million children in Africa and the world’s poorest countries get access to classrooms, teachers and the future that education provides. 1 GOAL calls on football fans to sign their names at www.join1goal.org and tell world leaders that education beats poverty.
“I’m proud to support 1GOAL; it isn’t asking for money, it’s asking for your name, your commitment to fair play for future generations,” said Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan. “It’s about reminding world leaders to play by the rules and keep their promises to children of the developing world. I think that’s worth signing up for.”
Current and retired football players from all over the world have joined the effort including Thierry Henry, Rio Ferdinand, David James, Kolo Toure, Mark Fish, Marcel Desailly, Kanu, Michel Silvestre, Aaron Mokoena, Mia Hamm and Steve Nash. The event was hosted by England's football legend and BBC broadcaster Gary Lineker.
“Global football stars, the football world and its governing body, FIFA, are behind 1GOAL,” said Addiechi. “At this World Cup, we’re asking fans to sign up to give 75 million children a chance in life. The FIFA is pleased to do its part in helping every child to get into a classroom and grow up to be a doctor, teacher, parent or maybe even a football player.
“This World Cup can leave a lasting legacy for children. FIFA is asking football fans around the globe to sign up to 1GOAL and give all kids the education they deserve.” Addiechi said.
The Players also strongly support education for the world’s poorest children. “I am firmly backing 1GOAL in their effort to make sure every child receives an education,” said player David James. “I have travelled to Malawi and I have seen the power of kids in schools. When people get an education, they can start to provide for themselves and their families.”
Gary Lineker said, “We know that education beats poverty. 1GOAL is bringing together fans around the world to demand education for all. This World Cup is a moment for us to shine.”
In addition to FIFA’s support, Bob Geldof, Bono, Kevin Spacey, Gordon Brown and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and organizations Comic Relief and the ONE Campaign have promised their commitment.
For more information and to pledge support to 1GOAL: Education for All, log onto www.join1goal.org and sign your name for those who can’t.
The Secretariat will send you more information on how to get involved in this effort in your country by sending the Resource Pack.
