On 6 October 2009, the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care, Youth and Sport Kate Ellis announced that Australia joined 1GOAL Education for All, a global campaign to give children living in poverty the chance to go to school.
Ms Ellis made the announcement at a football field at Parramatta in Sydney's west, joined by players from the Socceroos and Matildas, and the groups behind 1GOAL.
'With the world's gaze turning to next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa, there's a chance for us to leave a lasting legacy of education to Africa and the world,' she said.
The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pledged Australia's support for the 1GOAL campaign by videolink, joining with leaders from the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ghana, Spain, the Netherlands and France as part of the global launch.
'Australians love football and we know the power that sport has to help reach development goals. We're pleased to work with 1GOAL to give all children the chance at an education and a brighter future for their communities.
'The Australian Government has made education the flagship of Australia's aid program and we're increasing support for education to help meet the Millennium Development Goals by 2015,' Ms Ellis said.
'I call on all Australians to join 1 GOAL. We can each play a role in addressing global poverty.'
More information:
Join1Goal photo gallery with photos from the events in Australia, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain