Street Action - Committed to street children through action and partnership

Earlier last week, Ex-England and Tottenham footballer Gary Mabbut who was down in Durban for the Street Child World Cup spoke on BBC Five Live about how football is a great unifier. With eight teams from around the world and about ten different languages spoken, once you put a ball on the ground every child knows what to do and the barrier of language, culture and background are removed. This has been the experience of everyone who has taken part in the event.

The SCWC is more than just about football. It has also been a chance to spotlight the issue of Street Children before the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer. The events has also included an art exhibition, and an Indaba (conference) where the children were able to share some of their experiences and discuss the issues of Home, Safety and Health.

The Street Child World Cup has been an enormously positive and significant event and has played a part in putting street children back on the agenda. Sadly in its shadow the reality of street life continues as cities like Durban prepare for the FIFA World Cup and street children become the victims.

Street Action has been proud to be involved in this exciting and significant event and looks forward to Brazil in 2014.

Looking forward towards the FIFA World Cup...

Street Action will continue to work closely with Umthombo Street Children and others in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup. Working in partnership with British Airways and through some grants from New Generations Trust and the Tartan Army Children's Charity, we're continuing to invest in the development of Umthombo's Safe Space, a rehabilitation, therapeutic centre and shelter for street children.

Safe Space will play an integral part in Umthombo's 2010 strategy. Tom Hewitt, CEO and co-founder of Umthombo Street Children says, "Safe Space is the hub of Umthombo's 2010 plan for street children in Durban. Through therapeutic programmes, they are empowered to leave street life. It is a crucial resource for the World Cup period and beyond”