Countdown Begins for School Blacks at the World's Largest Online Education Event
Next month more than 30,000 kids are expected to represent New Zealand as the School Blacks when they compete in the
largest online education event - the World Education Games, 5-7 March. The event coincides with World Literacy Day,
World Maths Day
and World Science Day respectively. It is seen as the' Olympics of Learning' and had 5.5 million students from around
the world participating in 2012.
Four talented Ambassadors have been selected to champion our campaign for the New Zealand School Blacks, said Karen
Rolleston,
CEO of 3P Learning NZ, the company behind the games.
Willem Ebbinge from the Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown
Izzy Sheild from Murrays Bay Intermediate School, Auckland
Alicia Jung from Cobham Intermediate School, Fendalton, Christchurch
Sebastien Tumahai from Orakei School, Auckland
“The World Education Games also supports a great cause. In 2012 participating schools donated more than $100,000 to
UNICEF,
helping countless children around the world to access education through the charity’s School-in-a-box kits, ,” Mrs
Rolleston said.
“Our target for 2013 is to bring education to over 80,000 children by raising more than $192,000, enough money to donate
about
1000 School-in-a-Box kits. Each kit consists of basic learning resources to help up to 80 kids, and are distributed to
children in
developing countries who can’t go to school because of conflict, disaster or poverty. The kits can also help to
supplement
the minimal resources of an established school. We encourage all parents, businesses, and schools to support this cause
and get
behind their local School Blacks. ”
Jacqui Southey, Education for Development Officer at UNICEF NZ, says 'We were delighted with the success of the 2012
World Education
Games, and are very excited to be involved in the 2013 Games.
“Education is a fundamental human right. Every girl and boy in every country is entitled to a quality education that
will help pave
their way to a successful and productive future. The World Education Games is a chance for children from around the
world to come
together to hone their skills and to have some fun, while at the same time raising funds to help ensure a better future
for other
children through UNICEF’s School-in-a-Box Kits. We encourage Kiwi kids to get involved, and be part of this
inspirational education event.”
Parents, students and teachers are encouraged to go to www.worldeducationgames.com for more information, to donate and register.
The website is open for warm up, allowing students to practise in the lead up to the Games.
ENDS