Club LFC Foundation and Right To Play Launch Life-changing Project for Children in Ethiopia

LFC Foundation and global charity Right To Play have launched a new project to transform children’s lives in Ethiopia, as part of the long-term partnership between the two organisations.

A new three-year initiative aims to enhance reading skills and improve mental well-being for vulnerable children in Debre Birhan, located in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.

Underscoring the urgency of the situation, CEO of the LFC Foundation, Matt Parish, said: “The need in Ethiopia is urgent and undeniable. The ongoing conflict has created disruptions to vital services whereby children are unable to access a quality education.”

“By partnering with Right To Play, we will be creating a safe environment where we will use the power of sport and play to develop essential skills and build confidence and resilience that will help to unlock young people’s potential to enable them to aspire and achieve,” Parish noted.

Executive director at Right To Play UK, Gillian McMahon, added: “We are incredibly proud to be working with our long-term partners, LFC Foundation, to deliver this vital project in Ethiopia.”

“Together, we will be creating safe, inclusive spaces where vulnerable children can learn, heal and thrive.

“Through play, we are ensuring that children can receive the quality education they need and that children affected by conflict and crisis are protected and supported. The project reflects our shared values and determination to ensure that children, regardless of where they live, can enjoy a better future through the power of play,” McMahon said.

This project is set to benefit approximately 9,500 children, including those with disabilities and those displaced by conflict.

As part of this effort, over 200 teachers will undergo training in child-centred, play-based teaching methodologies.

This training will equip educators to deliver psychosocial support to children impacted by trauma and to foster safe and inclusive learning environments.

Ethiopia has faced significant challenges in education services due to ongoing conflict and climate-induced crises, leading to the destruction of school infrastructure and leaving millions of children out of the educational system.

Since 2019, the partnership between LFC Foundation and Right To Play has delivered transformative educational initiatives to thousands of children in various countries, including Thailand, Senegal, and Tanzania.

Right To Play has been active in Ethiopia since 2005, using play as a means for both learning and healing. In 2024, the organisation reached over 165,000 children across the country.

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