"It Starts With... The Power of Play."

The EMPOWER Project is a four-year Right To Play initiative that will focus on breaking the barriers that affect girls and children with disabilities in Mali.  Get your university involved and help advocate for change and raise awareness about the importance of education for displaced children in Mali.

WHAT IS EMPOWER?

For Malian children affected by conflict and displacement, pursuing and excelling in education seems out of reach. Household responsibilities may prevent some from dedicating enough time to their studies, while early forced marriages can lead others to drop out of school entirely. Additionally, the isolation and loneliness resulting from displacement can impact their motivation and hinder academic progress.

This four-year Right To Play initiative aims to address these challenges by empowering local leaders in Malian communities. The project will focus on breaking the barriers that affect girls and children with disabilities.

Using the power of play we hope to create a supportive foundation for their educational success.

Matthew Wearn Matthew Wearn

Bianca Andreescu

RIGHT TO PLAY AMBASSAROR

Bianca Andreescu is a Canadian professional tennis player who made history as the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title. 

  • Grand Slam Champion: Won the 2019 US Open women’s singles title, defeating Serena Williams in the final. This victory made her the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title in tennis history.

  • Rising Star: Quickly rose through the rankings, breaking into the Top 10 of the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and becoming the youngest player to win the US Open since 2000.

  • Advocacy for Youth Empowerment: Advocates for the role that sport and play can have in transforming the lives of children. She believes in the power of sport to teach important life skills, foster leadership, and promote resilience.

  • Inspiration and Leadership: Bianca’s personal story of overcoming challenges in her tennis career, serves as an inspiring example for children in Right To Play’s programs.

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Matthew Wearn Matthew Wearn

Marissa Papaconstantinou

RIGHT TO PLAY AMBASSAROR

Marissa is a Canadian Paralympic athlete and bronze medalist who competes in the 100m and 200m T64 events.

  • Overcame Physical Challenges: Born without a right foot, Marissa has never let this hold her back from achieving her goals.

  • Athletic Background: Former soccer and basketball player who transitioned to sprinting after being fitted for her first running prosthetic at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

  • Record Holder and Ambassador: Became a Canadian record holder just one year after joining a local track club in Scarborough, her hometown, and now serves as an ambassador for Holland Bloorview hospital and Right To Play.

  • Public Speaker & Dog Mom: Inspires others with her messages of resilience and pursuing excellence; proud dog mom to Myles, a cockapoo. 

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GET YOUR UNIVERSITY
INVOLVED

University clubs representing Right To Play have a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of children facing adversity.

Involvement across campuses is crucial for advocating change and raising awareness about the importance of education for displaced children in Mali.