Rawbank and Street Child United launch the development programme “1 Million Hopes” for children in the DRC
Lubumbashi, September 9, 2024: In an inspiring new partnership, Rawbank and Street Child United (SCU) have launched the “1 Million Hopes” programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This four-year initiative, aimed at using sport to empower vulnerable children, will incorporate a bespoke football-based curriculum designed by Street Child United in collaboration with Everton in the Community (EITC), to teach life skills and child rights to Congolese children.
Starting from this week, the curriculum will be taught In a “train-the-trainers” format with partner organisations, BUMI and Malaika, two local NGOs working with youth in Lubumbashi. The curriculum will focus on educating football coaches to champion child rights using football as a vehicle to deliver key teachable moments. The second phase of the partnership will come in to play next year with a focus on building capacity in advocacy, media, and fundraising, preparing two teams from the DRC to participate in the 2026 Street Child World Cup in North America.
Speaking at the press conference this morning, John Wroe, CEO, Street Child United, commented:
“This collaboration will not only positively impact the lives of young people from our NGO partner organisations, BUMI and Malaika, but it will also enable two teams, a girls’ team and a boys’ team, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to join us at the Street Child World Cup 2026 in the United States. These young people will now have the opportunity to represent their country at a football World Cup, on a global stage. Together, we are not just teaching child rights—we are empowering these children to demand a better future and showing the world the strength and resilience of street-connected children everywhere.”
The curriculum is part of a broader strategy by Rawbank to positively impact the lives of Congolese children and their communities. In addition to education, Rawbank will distribute 100,000 footballs, spreading joy and empowering Congolese youth to participate fully in these programmes.
Mustafa Rawji, CEO of Rawbank, commented: “We believe that every child has the right to play and thrive, regardless of their background or economic situation. This program will have a positive impact on the lives of Congolese children and their communities.”
Through this partnership, thousands of street-connected children will be equipped not only with sporting skills but also with tools for advocacy and media literacy, further cementing the power of sport in driving social change
