ANTA Group and UNHCR Join Forces to Empower 300,000 Displaced Children Through Education and Sports
In an inspiring initiative, ANTA Group’s partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), known as "Moving for Change," has positively impacted over 300,000 displaced children and youth across Africa in just three years. During the recent Global Refugee Forum Progress Review held in Geneva, this Chinese sportswear giant committed to continuing its support at similar levels for another three years, further enhancing the safety, education, and overall well-being of vulnerable children through both learning opportunities and sports activities.
Christina Li, the Vice President of ANTA Group, spoke at the Forum, revealing that from 2023 to 2025, the company is set to contribute $1.5 million in financial assistance along with 1.2 million pieces of sports apparel and equipment to children and youth in refugee settings in countries like Burundi, Kenya, and Ethiopia. These generous contributions bolster UNHCR's Sports for Protection program and the Primary Impact education initiative. These initiatives play a crucial role in keeping classrooms operational during crises by providing essential funding for teachers and necessary learning materials, ensuring that children can begin, continue, and excel in their education.
Li emphasized, "As responsible global citizens, we have long been dedicated to transforming our vision into reality through global corporate social responsibility initiatives. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which focus on eliminating poverty, promoting good health and well-being, ensuring quality education, and reducing inequalities. We firmly believe in the unifying power of sports, which transcends backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities. In China alone, we have rolled out several sports programs benefiting nearly 10 million young individuals. Now, we are extending our philanthropic efforts in sports to support humanitarian initiatives around the globe, widening our reach from Chinese youth to vulnerable communities worldwide."
In September, Li, accompanied by Arash Bordbar, the Primary Impact lead at UNHCR, visited two refugee camps in Ethiopia to observe the direct effects of their partnership. These visits demonstrated how ANTA Group's contributions are fostering meaningful, lasting improvements for refugee children, both academically and athletically.
At the Bambasi refugee camp in Ethiopia, which is home to 16,000 refugees, Li initiated a friendly football match, showcasing ANTA Group's support. She remarked, "Sport serves as a universal language that breaks down barriers and instills hope, joy, and unity, even amidst dire challenges."
Li also highlighted the considerable effort required to deliver in-kind donations to Africa, which involved meticulous coordination and commitment, including effective sorting, international shipping, and last-mile delivery logistics. By collaborating closely with various partners, ANTA Group put in substantial effort at every step, overcoming logistical hurdles to ensure both cash donations and physical items reached refugee locations in Kenya and beyond as planned.
Arash Bordbar, who oversees the education-focused Primary Impact program at UNHCR, underscored the significance of the collaboration, stating, "The alliance with ANTA Group exemplifies how private sector involvement can broaden opportunities and transform the lives of those forced to flee their homes. By investing in purposeful education and sports initiatives—and collaborating with partners like ANTA Group—we illustrate how the private sector can play a pivotal role in tackling global issues and creating enduring solutions."
Additionally, Wu Dan, the Head of the Overseas Project Department at the Chinese Red Cross Foundation, noted, "Driven by the spirit of establishing a China-Africa community for a shared future, we have collaborated closely with UN agencies and businesses, pooling resources and expertise from all sides. Over the past two years, we have navigated a challenging international landscape and numerous logistical obstacles to deliver humanitarian aid in three separate batches to displaced children across three African nations. Our efforts have supported them in reintegrating into their communities, returning to school, and restoring their optimism. We have achieved numerous 'firsts' through our tripartite collaboration, contributing to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through humanitarian actions and advancing the creation of a global community with a common future for humanity."
ANTA Group reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its collaboration with UNHCR and partnering with global entities to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
