A new open letter signed by a coalition of former presidents, Nobel laureates and former UN officials has rallied the world’s football community to back the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a $100 million initiative aimed at delivering education and sport‑based learning to 100,000 children across the globe.
The appeal underscores a stark reality: 251 million children and young people remain out of school, and seven in ten youngsters in low‑ and middle‑income nations cannot read a simple text by age ten. Each additional year of schooling, the letter notes, can boost a person’s future earnings by roughly ten percent, making education not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic investment.
The fund will channel grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to 27 grassroots organisations operating in ten countries, supporting projects that span early childhood education, literacy, digital learning, girls’ education, and disability inclusion. From rural preschools in South Africa to digital classrooms in Colombia, these locally led solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of each community.
A Global Call to Action
Canada has taken a leading role in the campaign, pledging its support and inviting governments, businesses, foundations and philanthropists worldwide to contribute. On July 16, the nation will join Global Citizen for a live streaming event that will celebrate early successes and accelerate progress toward the $100 million target, while highlighting the unifying power of football to create opportunities for future generations.
The letter concludes with a direct appeal to fans: by championing this cause, the global football audience can help turn the World Cup’s greatest legacy into tangible, life‑changing opportunities for children everywhere. The hope is that the collective passion for the sport will translate into lasting investments in health, nutrition and inclusive learning that ripple far beyond the pitch.