By Tim Saunders on
Jessica Alba was in Washington DC yesterday to campaign US Congress leaders to raise the standards of education in Africa through an Education For All Act.
Joining Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Alba – who visited Ghana, Kenya, Senegal and Mozambique last month with Bono – was representing the ONE Campaign's 1GOAL initiative.
“I’m honored to join Congresswoman Lowey to announce the Education for All Act,” Alba said. “I traveled to Ghana, Senegal and South Africa with 1GOAL to listen and learn and see for myself the impact of education. I met children who work to support their families, but dream of going to school, and families who told me that providing an education for their children is their only way to beat poverty.”
“All children deserve access to basic education, which helps them escape poverty, realize their potential, and live healthier and happier lives,” added Congresswoman Lowey. “Educated societies are also more secure and more democratic ones. That is why it is in our national interest to work with other nations and organizations to ensure children have access to basic education services.”
The 1GOAL initiative is campaigning for the re-introduction of a global Education for All Act and estimates there are 72 million children worldwide who don’t have access to education, 60 per cent of which are in Africa.
“The Global Campaign for Education applauds Congresswoman Lowey’s leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of 72 million children,” said Joanna Kuebler, director of the Global Campaign for Education. "Ensuring access to a quality education means a way out of poverty for millions of children. It means healthier outcomes for families in developing nations. And it means a path toward a safer world. Supporting Congresswoman Lowey and the EFA Act isn’t just the right thing to do, its smart policy. And, we thank Jessica Alba, a fierce champion of education for all, for her unyielding commitment to this issue and to the world’s children. 1GOAL will be instrumental in helping secure education for all children around the world. "
Watch a video of Bono and Jessica’s visit to Africa here.
Copyright © 2010 Look to the Stars
