Football has 1-Goal
Football Federation Australia CEO Ben Buckley and Head Coach of the Qantas Socceroos, Pim Verbeek, visited a township school outside Cape Town today to take part in the hand over of 1700 ‘lap desks’ to primary school children by Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis.
The lapdesks are part of the Australian Government-s commitment under the United Nations 1-GOAL project which aims to improve universal access to education.
“Pim and I are delighted to assist the Minister with the handover of these lapdesks,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
1-GOAL is the official campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and aims to remind world leaders of their commitment to universal education as part of the achievement of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
“Football Federation Australia is proud to support the 1-GOAL campaign partnering with FIFA, the Australian Government and others around the world,” said FFA CEO, Ben Buckley.
“1-GOAL is a global campaign in partnership with the 2010 FIFA World Cup which urges all football fans to help make a difference by calling on world leaders to make education and priority a reality for children around the world.”
Buckley said that UN data shows that 75 million children around the world do not attend school with half of them in the African continent.
“Next year-s FIFA World Cup in South Africa gives all of us in the football world an opportunity to highlight this issue while the world spotlight is on both Africa and football.
“Education is an important policy objective in any society to ensure that people have the best possible opportunity to reach their potential.”
The lapdesks are lightweight, portable writing surfaces, designed to fit on a student-s lap. They assist in improving educational outcomes by addressing the shortage of learning infrastructure in schools.
The Australian Government will provide approximately $164 million in educational support in Africa in 2009-10, an increase of 40% on the previous year.
“I am pleased to be here today to meet the local children,” said Qantas Socceroos Head Coach, Pim Verbeek.
“I would urge all football fans to join the Qantas Socceroos and add their name to millions of others around the world urging governments to remember their commitment to education for all.”
Buckley and Verbeek were accompanied by eight children from around Australia. The eight all play football and were on hand to meet with the local children.