In Africa there are 10 – 15 million people with intellectual disability living lives of isolation and social exclusion, with little access to services in health, education and employment. 90% of children with intellectual disability die before the age of five; those who survive have little or no specialised education and 70% of disabled adults are unemployed and live in poverty.
But awareness is rising, and momentum is being established.
In the past 10 years, Special Olympics athletes has established programs in 32 countries, and has expanded its impact to 75,000 individuals being served in year-round Special Olympics local events.
Partnership between SO Europe/Eurasia and SO Africa is based on mutual recognition and mutual respect.
SO Europe/Eurasia is committed to promoting best practice and good governance in the development of national programmes that lead to democracy, local capacity building and empowerment. SOEE is also supporting Africa in vital fundraising and maintaining a dialogue with European national governments, foundations and NGO’s who are active in Africa.
Partnering with Special Olympics Africa is bringing a source of new inspiration to established programs in Europe; highlighting the global solidarity and strength of the Special Olympics movement and so expanding the interest from new global and domestic donors; creating new links to African populations living in Europe, many of whom are not being reached by conventional Special Olympics programs; and providing innovative best-practices in regards to creating low-cost, high-impact local programs.
For future information on the Africa Project or to find out ways on how you can get involved please contact: Fiona O'Loughlin, foloughlin@specialolympics.org