Called PASS, the initiative will be fronted by former international football star Patrick Vieira and will begin during the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League Season 2012/13, which kicks off on September 20 across Europe.
The initiative will provide teacher training and student scholarships through non-profit NGOs, with an initial focus on eleven countries – Brazil, China, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Romania, Russia and Turkey.
“Where I come from, opportunities for a quality education are rare,” explained Vieira the former AS Cannes, AC Milan, Arsenal FC, Juventus, FC Internazionale Milano, Manchester City FC and French international player, who was born in Senegal before moving to France at the age of eight and is currently football development executive at Manchester City FC.
“Football was my ticket to success, but for the vast majority of young people education is the key that allows them to become whatever they want to be. That’s why I’m supporting this campaign. It will benefit students, teachers and schools across the world, particularly in places that need it most, like Senegal where I was born,” said Vieira.
The PASS initiative aims to reach one million school days over the next three seasons.
Find out more here: wu-pass.org/
