TV football presenter Chris Kamara has kicked off a new campaign aimed at getting children worldwide back into education. The former Brentford and Leeds United player serves as an ambassador for Street Child, an international charity focused on transforming the lives of underprivileged children globally. Street Child’s ‘Back to School’ initiative, timed just before the majority of UK students return to school, aims to assist thousands of young individuals in gaining access to education in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, with many experiencing schooling for the first time.
For over a decade and a half, Street Child has facilitated the education of more than a million children, operating in over 25 countries. However, current estimates suggest that more than 60 million primary school-aged children worldwide remain out of school. Through donating the equivalent of £1 a week, supporters can sponsor a child’s education for an entire year. Additionally, for every individual setting up a regular contribution by the end of September, the charity has pledged to reinstate one child into school this term.
Chris expressed, “There was nothing like the buzz of the first day back at school – catching up with mates after the summer holidays, getting back on the football pitch, and making new friends. But not all children are so lucky. Street Child does so much for kids across the world, making sure they get to learn in safe, fun environments when otherwise they would never get the chance.”
Under the ‘Back to School’ campaign umbrella, Street Child has also launched the ‘Big School Walk’, urging hundreds of parents, pupils, and educators throughout the UK to don the organization’s signature orange colour and walk to school in September to raise essential funds. Public contributions will directly benefit children’s education in various countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Street Child CEO and Founder, Tom Dannatt, emphasized, “Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty – for every year spent in school, a child’s life chances improve enormously, and so do the lives of future generations. For just £1 a week, we can get a child into school this year, and quickly on their way to a better future.”
Noteworthy personalities supporting Street Child’s cause include former Apprentice and Countdown star Nick Hewer and TV presenter Ade Adepitan. Nick stressed the importance of education as a gateway to opportunity, while Ade highlighted the significance of access to education for all children, regardless of their circumstances.
To learn more about Street Child and the ‘Back to School’ campaign, visit street-child.org.