CHALLENGING Heights, a child-centred non-governmental Organisation (NGO), has been selected as one of only 31 organisations globally to receive the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund (Cohort two).
The fund, jointly launched by FIFA and Global Citizen, is a new initiative to expand access to quality education and football for children in more than 200 communities around the world.
The ultimate goal is for FIFA and Global Citizen to mobilise $100 million by the 2026 World Cup Final to provide financial support and global networking opportunities to organisations driving sustainable community development.
Underserved children
For over two decades, Challenging Heights has been at the forefront of the fight against child trafficking, child exploitation and other forms of modern slavery practices, while advocating the rights and education of underserved children.
According to the Executive Director of Challenging Heights, James Kofi Annan, this partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen would directly support the mission by enabling Challenging Heights to combine the tools of education, advocacy and sport.
He said that through the grant, Challenging Heights would be able to support children affected by trafficking and exploitation in Ghana by providing education, sports and improved care.
Specifically, he said, “The fund will help us renovate and equip our Recovery Centre classroom building for the Inclusive Learning and Opportunity Programme, creating a safe, trauma-informed space for children recovering from trafficking and exploitation”.
“We will improve classrooms and outdoor spaces for learning, counselling, and play, and provide individualised literacy support, trauma-informed counselling, and creative learning through art, music, and sports, helping children rebuild confidence, social skills and their connection to learning,” he added.
“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Global Citizen and FIFA for believing in our work and recognising our dedication to child advocacy and community development,” he said.
