How a New Soccer Field Can Transform the Lives of Young Orphans in Haiti
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 16, 2014 -- International child advocates Kyle Weiss and Dr. Jane Aronson – both recipients of the prestigious World of Children Award – just announced that they are partnering to build a soccer field in Godet, Haiti. The field will directly benefit orphaned children in Dr. Aronson’s program, Worldwide Orphans Foundation.
Kyle is the co-founder of FUNDaFIELD, a nonprofit that builds soccer fields in regions where children have experienced trauma or conflict. The soccer fields have been proven to help children and their communities begin the recovery process. Among other outcomes, a new soccer field typically leads to a 20% increase in school attendance and a 15% increase in enrollment.
Kyle was introduced to Dr. Aronson, one of the world’s leading experts in orphan care, at the 2012 World of Children Awards Ceremony, where he was being honored with the 2012 Youth Award. That night was the beginning of a long partnership.
“Though we only managed to converse for a short period of time that night, Dr. Jane and I both understood the power of each other’s work,” Kyle said.
The following summer, Kyle visited Dr. Aronson’s program in Haiti. There, they began to plan where to build their first field.
“In my travels with FUNDaFIELD, I have seen too many orphaned children that will never have the chance to reach their full potential because they don’t get the care they deserve,” Kyle said. “And Dr. Jane understands that sports are one of the best ways for children to become ‘healthy, independent, productive members of their communities and the world.’”
Construction on the field will begin in May 2014. Both Kyle and Dr. Aronson expect to see children and their local community brought together by frequent games and tournaments, where they can leave behind their struggles with poverty, and simply share a smile with their neighbors.
Read more about Kyle and Dr. Aronson’s partnership on World of Children Award’s blog at http://www.worldofchildren.org/blog
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About World of Children Award:
For 16 years, World of Children Award has identified and vetted some of the world’s most promising heroes leading programs for children and granted funds to advance their efforts. The organization’s exhaustive research and vetting of individuals has been hailed by leading philanthropic organizations.
World of Children Award has been featured on the Huffington Post, in Kenneth Cole’s AWEARNESS: Inspiring Stories About How to Make a Difference and The Humanitarian Leader in Each of Us. World of Children Award Honorees have also been featured by The New York Times, CNN, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Bonnie Hunt Show, Fast Company Magazine, People, Glamour, TEEN Vogue, TIME for Kids, USA Today and the Christian Science Monitor, among several other national and international media. Earning a World of Children Award has often served as a pivotal launching point for recipients.
World of Children Award is led by Co-Founders Harry Leibowitz and Kay Isaacson-Leibowitz, retired senior executives from Procter & Gamble and Victoria’s Secret respectively, who first started the organization to honor individuals serving children with a Nobel Prize-like award. Since 1998, World of Children Award has granted more than $5 million in cash grants and program support to 100 Honorees who are the driving force behind programs serving children in more than 140 countries.
Brock Weaver, World of Children Award, http://www.worldofchildren.org, +1 925-399-6410, [email protected]
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