A spotlight is shining over the continent of Africa as the World Cup continues in South Africa. With this arises a chance to address some of the nation’s major issues. The poverty level in Africa is of course alarming, but this issue can directly be helped by addressing the issue of educating Africans. Individuals must first become self-sufficient before they can benefit their neighbors, their country. The availability of education should be a privilege readily available to all. As Talib Kweli said, “Life without knowledge is death in disguise.” Education will be the means to so many ends in Africa; it will help the nation’s population rise above the terrible conditions.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the 13 most illiterate countries are within the African continent. Think about the type of progress a country is unable to make if half of its population is illiterate, uneducated, or poor. 1GOAL is a universal effort powered by the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and focuses on childhood education. 72 million children around the world are denied schooling today, mainly because they deal with poverty from the day they are born until the day they die. 1 Goal is a program that believes that education beats poverty, and hopes to bring education to the 72 million that do not have the tools to succeed.

1GOAL has already gained the support of powerful political leaders, celebrities, charities, footballer, and over 12 million fans around the world who hope to help achieve universal education. Ending poverty through education is no easy task, but every voice can help. Perhaps your voice could be the tipping point that leads to this campaigns success. All the campaign asks for is that you lend your voice to the 72 million children out of school by asking world leaders to pledge the necessary funding that can make education for all a possibility.

If you would like to join the cause, visit the 1GOAL website: http://www.join1goal.org/