The importance of health for street-connected children
Street-connected children often do not have the adequate resources, support or funding to access adequate healthcare, resulting in a significantly increased risk of major health problems.
Throughout our journey to the Street Child World Cup 2022 we have been continually supported by our friends at WISH who have prioritised the conversation and promoted the issue of health for the young people we support.
Today at the World Innovation Summit for Health, alongside partners Consortium for Street Children, we launched a review of existing literature – with inputs from SCU team leaders – on the health concerns and risks to health for street children worldwide. The review which addressed health-seeking behaviours and barriers to accessing healthcare, will be further developed over the course of the Street Child World Cup through interviews with children from each participating team.
The summit which was attended by some of the leading names in health and sport including the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, multiple Olympic champion, Sir Mo Farah, also welcomed YL Sadock John and SCU Board Chairman Alex White, to centre stage to discuss sports role in health and what can be expected from the Street Child World Cup ahead.
Sadock spoke passionately about his journey with Street Child United and how football changed his life. Championed by the audience he urged them to “treat street-connected children with respect” and said that society ‘should give street children the space and room to express themselves, especially through sport.’
WISH then invited SCU young leaders and participants from team Palestine and Syrian Forum to the stage to close the event. Each child walked up on stage carrying a flag of one of the 25 countries represented at the tournament.
There was a special surprise when Neymar Jr sent a recorded video message to all the children taking part in the SCWC 2022 telling them to “keep dreaming and playing football with joy.” He wrapped up yet another incredible day by saying “Enjoy the Street Child World Cup and be proud to represent your countries. Good luck to everyone, especially Brazil!”
