LFC Foundation and Right To Play launch new project to change children’s lives in Ethiopia

LFC Foundation has teamed up with global charity Right To Play to launch an ambitious new project that’s set to transform the lives of thousands of children in Ethiopia.

The three-year project by the LFC Foundation and Right To Play, which kicks off this month, will help children in Debre Birhan City, in the Amhara Region, develop vital reading skills and support their mental well-being. It’s expected to reach around 9,500 children, including those living with disabilities and young people forced to leave their homes because of conflict.

Teachers will also get support, with more than 200 being trained to deliver play-based lessons and provide emotional help for children affected by trauma. There’ll be a big focus on creating safe, inclusive classrooms, and the wider community will get involved too, tackling barriers that stop girls and vulnerable children from getting an education.

In recent years, conflict and climate shocks have hit Ethiopia hard, leaving millions of children out of school and damaging vital facilities. The Amhara Region has been one of the worst affected, and Debre Birhan now hosts large numbers of displaced families. For many children, this project could be life-changing, giving them the chance to get back into school and find hope for the future.

Matt Parish, CEO at LFC Foundation, said: “The need in Ethiopia is urgent and undeniable. So many children can’t access a quality education because of the ongoing conflict. By partnering with Right To Play we’ll create safe spaces where sport and play help children build confidence, resilience and skills that will open up new opportunities for them.”

Gillian McMahon, Executive Director at Right To Play UK, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be working again with LFC Foundation to deliver this vital project. Together we’re creating spaces where children can learn, heal and thrive. Through play, we’re making sure vulnerable children get the education and support they need to build a brighter future.”

The project in Ethiopia is the latest in a growing partnership between LFC Foundation and Right To Play, which began back in 2019. Together, they’ve already helped thousands of children in Thailand, Senegal and Tanzania.

In Tanzania, the partnership has broken down barriers to girls’ education and boosted results in the Serengeti and Tarime regions. In Senegal, it’s supported girls and young women to build skills and challenge gender stereotypes through sport. In Thailand, they’ve transformed community play spaces and run sessions to help children build life skills like leadership, confidence and communication.

Right To Play has been active in Ethiopia since 2005, using the power of play to help children learn and recover in tough conditions. Last year alone, the charity reached more than 165,000 children across the country.

The new project will be delivered with the help of local communities, government and education leaders to make sure it’s sustainable and fits in with Ethiopia’s national education plans.

It’s another example of how football, sport and play can help change lives far beyond the pitch.

Discover Right To Play website.

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