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The Government of Canada supports
sport and play for young people in
Ghana
News Release, November 20, 2007
TORONTO, ON – On the occasion of Universal Children's Day,
the Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International
Cooperation, announced the Government of Canada's support of
$2.9 million to the organization Right To Play for an
innovative initiative that will bring the power of sport and
play to children in Ghana, Benin, Mali and Rwanda.
“On Universal Children's Day, I am pleased to announce our
support to Right To Play's program that will help improve
the lives of children in Africa”, said Minister Oda. “
This funding will help provide
coaches, staff and volunteers with training, as well as
sport equipment and education kits, allowing kids to receive
a better basic education and to develop life skills such as
leadership. Today's announcement is only one example of what
our Government is doing to improve the health and education
of children living in poverty.
“This multi-year funding from the Canadian International
Development Agency ensures that Right To Play will be able
to make a sustained and lasting impact in the lives of
children living in Benin, Ghana, Mali and Rwanda,” said
Johann Koss, President and CEO of Right To Play. “I want to
thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the crucial
role of sport and play in basic education and development of
children and in building stronger communities.”
In developing countries, a significant number of children
are excluded from formal and non-formal education because of
religion, ability, gender, ethnicity or social background,
as well as the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Children living in these
conditions, when included in social activities through play
and sport, become physically healthier, develop necessary
life-skills and become integrated into their communities.
The Government of Canada is providing this funding to Right
To Play through the Canadian International Development
Agency over a period of three years. Right To Play is a
non-profit organization aiming to improve the lives of
children in the most disadvantaged areas of the world by
using the power of sport and play for development, health
and peace. It uses sports programs to lessen some of the
negative effects of poverty, reach out to youth at risk and
reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS by including them in social
activities. These programs promote active civil society
participation and enhance health and quality of life of
children.
Canadian International
Development Agency, November 20, 2007
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