The boy plays football in the camp for internally displaced persons in Abashok, Sudan. Bunning for the sake of changes: Street Child United helps the most vulnerable children with football The goals in the field of sustainable development for many children living on the streets, survival is a daily struggle, and participation in the global event like the World Cup seems to be impossible. But thanks to the initiative of Street Child United, these children do not just go to the world arena – they use it to declare their rights. According to the UN News Service, Julia Piment, the director of the organization’s influence, Street Child United, this is a platform that helps street children be heard. The organization gathers adolescents from different countries and gives them the opportunity to participate in tournaments in parallel with such large events as the World Cup or Crypt. 60 > “Football is a language that people in many countries, in different regions,” says Pimenty. “We can all understand each other when we play football.” This universal language becomes a bridge – not only between children from different countries, but also between them and those who make decisions. However, the organization’s mission is not limited to the game. “We raise the issues of gender equality, protection from violence, public services and access to education,” Pimenta explains. “These are the problems that the children themselves tell us about.” These topics become the basis for master classes on the rights of a child, which pass in parallel with tournaments. ~ 60 > During these events, adolescents not only play. They represent their countries, advocate their rights and communicate directly with politicians and government representatives – in conditions absolutely different from those to which they are used to. 60 ~ p > Pimenta recalls how children speaking different languages find a way to understand each other. “The children we bring to the World Cup speak different languages. But when they play together – play, participate in creative classes, in discussions – such a connection arises between them that it is just magic. They find a common language, and adults do not understand how, but this is happening. “This connection, in her opinion, is born out of a sense of joy and feelings that they see and hear you. It is this joy that holds the children in the program and inspires them to continue. “When they find joy, they want to stay, they want to do more,” she says. ~ 60 > street child united a global network that unites NGOs and funds around the world. Giving children the opportunity to perform on the most prestigious sports arenas, the organization not only strengthens their self -confidence, but also increases the knowledge of the world public about the problems of street children. 62 ~ ~ 60 > feature of the Street Child United approach to the initiative from below. It all starts with football, but quickly develops in motion for changes. Representatives of the authorities, sponsors and community leaders are invited to tournaments – and often after personal participation they begin to think about reforms. ~ 60 > “Then the conversation becomes easier,” Pimain notes. When a person sees how a child scores a goal from the street, leads a command or confidently appears to a large audience, it becomes impossible to ignore it. 60 > on the eve of the next world championship Street Child United is preparing to collect the global delegation of young players – each of which will bring for this meeting Your story, your goals and your demand to be heard. And even if they speak different languages, they are one on the field – not only in the game, but also in the hope of the best future.