Shooting for the Right Goals - Whitehouse Scientific Sponsors Street Kids for World Cup

Whitehouse Scientific is sponsoring the Philippine’s national team at the first ever Deloitte Street Child World Cup. Street children representing nine countries will gather in Durban, South Africa from 14-23 March 2010, to play football and raise awareness towards gaining rights for street children all over the world. Donations for this cause can be made via the Amos Trust website at: www.streetchildworldcup.org

For many years Whitehouse Scientific has been an active supporter of children’s charities, from Children in Need in the UK to children’s work in Mongolia. In particular, over the last five years, the company has had a special relationship with the Mango Tree children’s home in Manila, which does a phenomenal job in rescuing disadvantaged children who find themselves in need or on the street.

“The first stage is to gain their confidence” said Managing Director Dr Graham Rideal, who uses the universal language of music (his tenor sax) to get their attention. “Although they love Rock and Roll music, I was amazed
that they know all the words to love song classics such as ‘I will always love you’” said Graham following a recent visit. Once a dialogue is established with local social workers, there is a good chance that a street
child will be accepted into Mango Tree House.

“Once in a stable and safe environment, there are so many opportunities for the children to blossom. In this Football World Cup year, boys and girls, both in homes and still on the streets of Manila, compete for places in the parallel world cup for street children. There can be no higher honour than representing your country at sport and so every place is fiercely contested.”

It has been tremendously fulfilling to think that I have played a small part in changing the lives of some of these children”, said Graham, who is now actively engaged in raising money to send the team across to Durban in South Africa.

This Deloitte Street Child World Cup marks the launch of a new Amos Trust initiative aimed at both celebrating the potential of street children, and providing a platform from which they can be heard. Those interested can
also tune in to Blue Peter on BBC One to follow the action as presenter Andy Akinwolere mentors the British team.