1GOAL:Education for All, the FIFA-backed legacy project for the 2010 World Cup, launched what is expected to be the biggest mobile phone campaign to date. Mobile operators from across the globe will send over 1 billion text messages going out to people in the coming weeks on behalf of 1GOAL with the aim of getting millions of people to support the cause of more education funding in both developing and developed countries.
The Telefónica Group — representing some 25 countries and 274 million people — has just joined up to support the campaign. Across its territories Telefónica will be promoting the “education for all” message as part of its long-standing objective to make a positive impact on economic, technological and social progress.
People will be able to sign up by responding ‘YES’ to a simple free text or by going to 1goal.mobi on their handsets or by sending an e-mail to info@join1goal.org. Signups from the 1GOAL mobile campaign will be presented as a petition to world leaders at an education summit later this year urging both developing and developed countries to provide further funding for education. Handset manufacturers Nokia and Samsung will also be making available a 1GOAL mobile app for their customers.
Shakira, 1GOAL Ambassador and Founder of the Barefoot Foundation said: “The World Cup captures the attention and hearts of millions. We must use this moment to raise our voices for 1GOAL and demand that this generation of children have the chance to fulfill their dreams and live up to their full potential through education. I’m honored to be part of this incredible movement.”http://www.join1goal.org
