Tribune News Network
Doha
The Street Child World Cup 2022 kicked off at Education City on Saturday. Held in partnership with Qatar Foundation, 28 teams of young people – representing 25 countries – have come together at Education City, in Doha, to give street-connected children a voice for change.
Over the course of eight days, the teams will play in a football World Cup-style tournament, join art workshops, and participate in child-friendly congress sessions to shine a light on the adversities faced by vulnerable youth living in street situations worldwide.
John Wroe, co-founder and CEO of Street Child United, welcomed the teams at the opening address. "This is the World Cup for those that have been on the margins, on the edges, in the shadows. You are now center stage,” he said.
"This is the World Cup for those that have faced stigma. We say to you, ‘you are loved.’ For those who are constantly denied access or shooed away or even rounded up, we say, ‘come to the front of the queue.’ You are important. For those that have just about given up on everyone and everything. I promise you that this is the World Cup of hope.”
The Street Child World Cup 2022 features 15 boys’ teams and 13 girls’ teams, with 10 of the teams being represented by refugee or displaced children. page 16