In a recent government meeting, John Rowe, founder and chief executive of Street Child United, highlighted the organization's impactful role in advocating for street children through the Football for the Goals initiative. Since joining the movement in 2022, Street Child United has utilized the global platform of football to amplify the voices of young people facing significant challenges, including access to education, protection from violence, and gender equality.

Rowe shared the inspiring story of Andile, a young boy he met in South Africa, who expressed that playing football transformed how he was perceived by others. This sentiment encapsulates the mission of Street Child United: to challenge the stigma surrounding street children and affirm their identities and rights. By organizing World Cups for street children alongside the FIFA World Cup, the organization aims to bring attention to their demands and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

The meeting also addressed the tangible outcomes of the initiative, including the establishment of a young leaders program that has seen participants represent their countries on international stages. Rowe proudly recounted how these young leaders have influenced significant changes in their communities, such as the Pakistani government conducting a census of street children for the first time and commitments from Indian officials to provide identification for millions of street children.

Looking ahead, Rowe announced ambitious goals for the 2026 World Cup in North America, including the participation of 12 girls' and boys' teams and the creation of over 1,000 educational opportunities. The initiative aims to secure one million identities for street children globally, emphasizing the importance of recognition and rights for this vulnerable population.

Rowe concluded by urging the community to listen to young people, who often possess a clearer understanding of injustice and empathy. The meeting underscored the potential for football to serve as a powerful tool for social change, fostering solidarity and encouraging collective action to address the needs of street children worldwide.