UNHCR, Nike, Microsoft and Right to Play chose yesterday’s World Refugee Day to launch ninemillion.org, a campaign “to create a global community dedicated to giving the world’s refugee youth the chance to learn and play.” The elegantly designed website features personal refugee stories and a 30-second public service announcement from Brazilian soccer star, and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Ronaldo. Nike has donated 40,000 soccer balls specially designed to endure harsh conditions at refugee camps. Microsoft has donated $1 million in advertising, so you can expect to see a lot more about ninemillion.org. From the press release:
Two-thirds of money raised through ninemillion.org will be distributed by UNHCR to support education in refugee communities, including fundamental education and life skills training; HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention; gender sensitivity; and peace education programs for war-torn communities. The remaining one-third will fund access to customized sport and play programs by Right To Play for refugee youth, with an emphasis on getting girls and young women onto the playing field.
Also see previous post for Kofi Annan on the power of sport.
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