Inspiration can be found in the amazing relationships we’ve built through our girls’ football workshops, but it’s also found in connections with other organizations working hard to make a sustainable difference. This week, Sonia Bianchi, Co-Founder and Project Manager at Girls & Football SA, experienced lending a hand at Free the Children’s annual Me To We Day in Vancouver, Canada, and left feeling hugely inspired.
Free the Children was founded in 1995 by 12 year old Craig Kielburger and 11 friends his age, and the We Day served as a reminder that no matter how humble the beginnings of an initiative, passion can compel anyone committed enough to make a huge difference in the world. Fast forward 16 years, and Free the Children is making a difference in youths’ lives, not only abroad, but also in Canada, showing everyone that nothing is impossible when you put your heart into it. Surrounded by amazing presenters such as Shaquille O’Neal, Mikhail Gorbachev, Mia Farrow and 18,000 engaged youth, it was impossible to leave the Rogers Arena in BC anything but inspired.
Students attending the event have been engaged in charity events all year, from fundraising, to building schools in rural communities, to organizing the largest food drive in Canadian history. Free the Children’s founders, Craig and Mark Kielburger, showed how the activities in one school built upon what others had achieved and ultimately how each of the different schools had created much needed infrastructure that allowed children in remote communities to not only get an education but also have access to clean water, health care and economic opportunities.
Girls & Football SA would like to congratulate Free the Children on another successful We Day! You remain an inspiration to organizations determined to make a difference.
As always, Girls & Football SA is on the road, building networks, encouraging supporters and raising awareness on the importance of sport for girls and young women. Next month, be sure to catch the update on Director Jos Dirkx’s presentation on the importance of sport for girls’ development at The World Summit of Youth Volunteering in Columbia!
