Challenging Heights, a Ghanaian non-governmental organisation dedicated to fighting child trafficking and exploitation, has been selected as one of only 31 organisations globally to receive the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund (Cohort 2).
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 USD $100 million by the 2026 World Cup Final to provide financial support and global networking opportunities to organisations driving sustainable community development.
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 for the rights and education of underserved children.
This partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen will directly support the organisation's mission, allowing Challenging Heights to combine the tools of education, advocacy, and sport. Through this grant, Challenging Heights will be able to support children affected by trafficking and exploitation in Ghana, provide education and sports, and improve their care.
Specifically, the fund will help the organisation renovate and equip its Recovery Centre classroom building for the Inclusive Learning & Opportunity Program, creating a safe, trauma-informed space for children recovering from trafficking and exploitation. The project 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.
