Formula 1 has entered into a new partnership with UNICEF to help the world's most vulnerable children access a quality education. It will also strengthen UNICEF's humanitarian response around the world. The goal is to help protect children in emergencies, such as those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Formula 1's support over the next three years could help around 6.5 million children from vulnerable communities access a quality education. We will also try to get them into important fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Efforts will be made to enable UNICEF to provide temporary learning spaces for children in emergencies.
UNICEF's 2022 State of Global Learning Poverty Update estimates as in 2022 70% of 10-year-olds worldwide lack basic literacy skills. Limited access to the internet and digital devices, a problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has widened inequalities and the digital divide. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely than their peers to have access to the Internet in order to continue their learning.
Formula 1-UNICEF, all the details
A significant focus of the partnership with Formula 1 will be improve digital access through the expansion of the UNICEF Learning Passport. We are talking about a portable digital platform that allows children to continue learning online and offline. The Learning Passport is currently operational in 26 countries. Formula 1's support will help UNICEF expand the program to 19 more countries. It will also allow for the launch of an offline version for children in Mexico and Brazil. La F1 will support the children's rights agency's emergency response efforts through a donation to their Emergency Fund.
As a global sport, the Formula 1's partnership with UNICEF builds on its proud history of inspiration in education. Features are the initiatives such as its engineering scholarship program that will see 50 students fully supported through the university by 2025, and ongoing STEM and employment outreach programs. Formula 1 and UNICEF will use their commitment and innovation to help millions of children acquire the skills they need to fulfill their potential and succeed in the workplace.
Domenicali: "We will make the most of our platform"
Stefano Sundays, President and CEO of Formula 1, said:
“In a sport where research, technology and innovation play a vital role in the success of a driver and a team, education is at the heart of Formula 1. The partnership with UNICEF will allow us to use effectively our sport's global platform to help bridge the education gap experienced by the world's most vulnerable children. Every child has the right to a quality education and to be protected during emergencies. We are proud to be able to play a role in ensuring that the most vulnerable children are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals."
Sparkes: “A foundational partnership for learning is born”
Jon Sparkes, managing director of the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:
“The world is facing a growing learning crisis, with millions of children continuing to miss out on school and access to the technology they need to learn and thrive. Investment in education is vital for the development of children and young people and for building the societies and economies they need for the future, so we must act now to prevent this learning crisis. With Formula 1, we are launching a new partnership that will help ensure more children have access to quality learning and the skills training they need to succeed in school, work and life. At UNICEF, we believe sport plays a unique role in bringing people together, helping us address the biggest issues facing children, including those affected by humanitarian emergencies."
SOURCE: F1 Media
