The Peninsula
The Street
Child World Cup, held in partnership with Qatar Foundation (QF), kicked off at
the Oxygen Part in Education City yesterday with 28 teams from 25 countries.
The event, which will be held until October 15, aims to highlight
the challenges that marginalised children face, and the fundamental rights they
lack, as well as to give them a voice – a platform – to drive change in their
communities and beyond.
Held in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the
tournament, now in its fourth edition, features two teams from Qatar comprised
of students from Assalam Schools, initiated by Education Above All’s Together
Project and Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education as well as Qatar
Academy Doha (QAD) and Qatar Academy Sidra, which fall under QF’s
Pre-University Education.
“The Street
Child World Cup has made me look at life from another perspective and
understand different children. It will give us as students, the opportunity to
highlight the challenges that many of these children face. I’m hoping that by
taking part, we’ll raise awareness and significantly improve their lives.”
“For
example, what rights are not being met, what can we do about it, and through
what channels, what action can be taken to make a difference, whether it is a
regional issue or a worldwide issue, and how can we help?”
According to Boustead, there was a strong response from QF
students, with many young people applying to be part of the programme. Those
selected were not chosen because of their football skills, but rather their
interest levels and willingness to help.
The competition is being held at Oxygen Park in Education City,
and it is open to the public. Audio descriptive commentary in Arabic will be
available during the matches for spectators who are blind or visually impaired.