FIFA World Cup Chief Speaks Out

We’re a bit late bringing you this breaking news, I’m afraid. But in the last month there has been significant progress in raising the profile of the problems for street children in South Africa.

Danny Jordaan is the chief executive of the 2010 World Cup and was asked on September 17th if FIFA would support the rounding up of street children, his response:

“No, we can’t be a society that misleads and creates a false impression. We are a country of diversity, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, and the world must know that we have massive challenges of poverty and housing and we must address these issues … to restore their dignity and human worth; to give them a sense that there is a place in the future for them. Let’s not trample them. It is an unfortunate situation, but it is a reality,”

The full story can be found here

Jordaan’s voice is one of many that are joining with the Street Child World Cup in supporting the cause of the street children. We only just discovered today that there has been another appearance on the BBC News website as they have been watching the Nicaraguan team train. The Nicaraguan team will be comprised of children who are looked after by our partners at Casa Alianza. There is a wonderful quote from Eneyda Lira of Casa Alianza which sums up what the competition is about:

“We think this street children’s World Cup is a great opportunity to show everyone that they are not just dirty, scruffy children who bother you at traffic lights or are seen sniffing glue under bridges,” she says.

“Playing football gives them a sense of their own worth – and shows that the game is not just for the great footballers of the world.”

Please if you do see any reference to Street Child World Cup in the media let us know, we only found the most recent BBC article after 3 weeks! We don’t want to miss any!

Tom