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It´s round 2 in our series of blogs about the 2010 FIFA World Cup and education.  This time we are focusing on the 1GOAL campaign that is being promoted during this years World Cup.  1GOAL addresses the issue that there are 72 million children around the world that are denied the chance to go to school and receive an education.  The initiative stems from the United Nations pledge in 2000 to ensure that all boys and girls have the chance to complete primary school by the year 2015.  Since this project started many countries have joined the fight, and in the last 10 years the number of children now attending school that previously were not has increased by 40 million.

On the 25th September 2008, the United Nations launched the Class of 2015, supported by world leaders, celebrities and the FIFA World Cup.  This new initiative is to accelerate the progress of reaching the global education goals by 2015.  The 1GOAL campaign for the World Cup stems from this, and is receiving huge support from players and fans everywhere.  The video below talks more about the Class of 2015 and their goals:

The President of South Africa supported the campaign with these words:

“We support the footballers and their fans in calling on all world leaders to do their part to ensure every child can go to school. We need to see action at the World Cup and beyond. By acting now, together we can ensure education for all.” ~ President Jacob Zuma, South Africa, Host 2010 FIFA World Cup (Source: http://www.join1goal.org/about-1GOAL.php).

The coach of England´s Leicester City team Chris Powell is going to the World Cup as an ambassador for the 1GOAL campaign, as are many other people.  He will be visiting townships around South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, to spread the word about the campaign and bring awareness to the cause both in South Africa and globally.

The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world, so its great to see people taking this opportunity to increase awareness for something that is important and relevant to everyone.  To join the goal of education for all, visit the 1GOAL website and show your support.

Tags: 1GOAL, 2010 FIFA World Cup, Class of 2015, Education for All, South Africa