AMMAN (JT) - Her Majesty Queen Rania, along with FIFA, Gary Lineker and footballers from across the globe, on Thursday launched 1GOAL: Education for All, a FIFA World Cup 2010 initiative focused on ensuring that all children receive an education.
1GOAL has one purpose: To ensure that the 75 million children out of school in Africa and the world’s poorest countries get access to classrooms, teachers and the future that education provides, according to a statement released by the initiative, which called on football fans to sign their names at 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,” Queen Rania said at the launch at Wembley Stadium in the UK.
“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,” she noted at the event, hosted by England football legend Lineker.
Players from all over the world are joining the effort including Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry, Robinho, Michael Essien, Aaron Mokoena (captain of the South Africa team), Kanu (captain of the Nigerian team), Nicolas Anelka, Michel Silvestre, David James, Kolo Toure, Javier Zanetti, Ivan Cordoba, Michael Owen and Mia Hamm (captain of the 1999 American women’s World Cup champion team).
Retired champions joining 1GOAL include Marcel Desailly, George Weah and Roger Milla.
“Global football stars, the football world and its governing body, FIFA, are behind 1GOAL,” said Federico Addiechi of FIFA.
“At this World Cup, we’re asking fans to sign up to give 75 million children a chance in life. FIFA is pleased to do our part in helping every child get into a classroom and grow up to be a doctor, teacher, parent or maybe even a football player,” he said.
“The World Cup 2010 can be more than a great tournament… This World Cup can leave a lasting legacy for African schoolchildren. FIFA is asking football fans around the globe to sign up to 1GOAL and give all kids the education they deserve,” he added.
Leading players also expressed their strong support for education for the world’s poorest children.
“I believe every child has the right to an education and that’s why I’m supporting 1Goal and asking football fans around the world to join today,” said Ferdinand.
“I am firmly backing 1GOAL in their effort to make sure every child receives an education,” said 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,” he added.
“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,” Lineker noted.
In addition to FIFA’s support, Bob Geldof, Bono, Kevin Spacey, Kelly Rowland and organisations Global Campaign for Education, Comic Relief and the One Campaign have promised their commitment, the statement said.
1GOAL is a part of the Class of 2015 initiative, led by the Global Campaign for Education and includes support from key charities, teaching unions, faith groups, the private sector and committed governments, including the UK's Department for International Development.
Those interested can join 1GOAL at www.facebook.com/1GOAL or follow at www.twitter.com/join1goal.
