Yuwa girls become UNICEF ‘Celebrity Supporters’

Ranchi, Jharkhand, 24 October, 2014 :: UNICEF [ The United Nations Children’s Fund ] Jharkhand today conferred “UNICEF celebrity supporter” status on Yuwa girls, the footballers from the state. Today is observed as UN day.

Yuwa girls will now support UNICEF in its campaigns around child marriage, child labour, girls’ education, handwashing with soap, etc. Yuwa girls already support the 3-month long campaign against violence and abuse on children, launched by UNICEF and Jharkhand Police this month.

Speaking at the special function organized in UNICEF Ranchi office today, Yuwa girl’s captain Supriya said, “We are glad to be associated with UNICEF. If girls like us are provided opportunities, we can excel in any area. I hope our example will encourage and inspire all girls in Jharkhand.”

Job Zachariah Chief, UNICEF Jharkhand said, “Yuwa girls are icons for the youth and enjoy tremendous recognition across the country. These girls can inspire others. Their support to UNICEF will help in realising the rights of children especially girls in Jharkhand.”

Rose Thomson, Programme Director, Yuwa said, “Yuwa is one of the largest girls’ football programs in India. It uses football as a platform to empower girls in the poorest of communities in Jharkhand. It gives the girls a platform for self-expression and also builds life skills and confidence. When a girl joins a Yuwa team, through positive peer pressure she becomes a more regular student. Team captains keep track of school attendance, and ensure girls attend daily study sessions on english, math & life skill at Yuwa Club.”

She added, “Yuwa has 250 players in its girls’ football program, 150 of whom practice daily. Over 600 girls have been its member so far. Most of the Yuwa girls are from tribal communities in Ranchi district. In 2013, the Yuwa girls were placed third in the Gasteiz Cup in Spain and made it to the quarter finals of the Donosti Cup, Spain’s biggest football tournament.”

UNICEF collaborates globally with renowned personalities from the field of sports, music and the performing and film arts. These celebrity supporters are chosen based on the respect and appeal they command as genuine humanitarians.

Ace archer, Ms. Deepika Kumari is also a UNICEF celebrity supporter.

About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org