1GOAL: Education for All
Sightsavers is a member of a global coalition called the Global Campaign for Education. This coalition exists to secure an education for the 72 million children currently not going to school around the world. Sightsavers is involved in the campaign because it is estimated that around a third of the 72 million children out of school around the world are disabled and we want to do everything we can to get these children included in their local schools.
2010 is a very special year for the campaign around the world as it links in with the World Cup in South Africa. With so many people watching the Dutch delight, the Spanish sizzle and the Black Stars of Ghana lighting up the World Cup, and with many millions of children in African countries missing out on school at the moment, it’s an ideal time to draw attention to these issues.
The goal is for every child in the world to complete a quality primary education by 2015
The global campaign this year is called ‘1GOAL’ and it seeks to involve as many people as possible in as many countries as possible. The goal in question is for every child in the world to complete a quality primary education by 2015. At the current rate of progress, this target will only be met if we get as many people as possible involved and talking to their leaders about the importance of education as a human right.
1 Day for 1 GOAL
On Monday 24 May, Sightsavers' staff took part in a blindfolded penalty shoot out in Haywards Heath to celebrate '1 day for 1GOAL'. Given England's woeful performances at the World Cup some of the staff who played may be hoping for a call up to the next squad! Other staff around the world also marked the day by raising awareness of the campaign, signing up to show support online and holding meetings to discuss advocacy opportunities in the future.
Some of the world’s greatest footballers, FIFA, charities, teacher’s unions and the general public are supporting this year’s campaign and you can show your support by signing up here.
For teachers in the UK
If you are a teacher in the UK and would like to support the campaign, you will find a wealth of school-specific information on the Send My Friend website including free lesson plans, posters and DVDs!
1GOAL for blind footballers
Paralympic footballer Lee Greatbatch recently visited Ghana as part of our work for 1GOAL: Education for All, and spent some time coaching the students of Akropong School for the Blind some fantastic football skills.
Sightsavers and 1GOAL
Sightsavers staff around the world show support for the 1GOAL: Education for All campaign on Monday 24th May.
What do you think?
Elizabeth Kurian, India (May 2010)
It is said that a third of the 72 million children out of school around the world are disabled. I pledge my support to 1GOAL as an individual and as a Sightsavers representative and will do my best to get these children included in their local schools and receive a quality education.
I wish the Global Campaign for Education and its 1GOAL initiative the very best and commit my support to its mission.
Elizabeth Kurian
Regional Director - India Region
Sightsavers
Nusrat Zerin, Bangladesh (May 2010)
To make the world equal, we need to include all the persons including disabled children and adults in mainstream EDUCATION, in every way we can.......Then we can make the dream come true with "Education For All".
Nusrat
James Mutuku, Kenya (May 2010)
This is a great initiative. Education is the one thing that opens doors of equality for all. For children with disabilities it is even more rewarding as it provides a much needed independence and self reliance.
Roz Cadwallader, UK (May 2010)
ALL children should have the right to be educated in school. This is a basic human right, as well as being the way forward for peace and justice in our world.
Paul de Normanville, United Kingdom (May 2010)
Great to see all the wonderful work being done. Fully support 1GOAL
tiki (Jul 2010)
Thanks to 1goal I'm aware of the existance of sightsavers. I am impressed with the work you are doing and say big ups to you. I am an Optometrist working in South Africa and have started a non profit organisation to assist orphaned and vulnerable children in disadvantaged schools, it would be wonderful for me to be able to access information and ideas from from your organisation