FORMULA 1
WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP THE WORLD’S MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN ACCESS QUALITY EDUCATION AND BOLSTER UNICEF’S HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AROUND THE WORLD
Why we’re working together
Formula 1 and UNICEF work together to reach even more children globally through vital education and emergency programmes, so more children can have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Formula 1’s support as part of the three-year partnership could help an estimated 6.5 million children from vulnerable and marginalized communities access quality education, including in key areas such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, (STEM). It will also help protect children in emergencies, enabling UNICEF to provide temporary learning places for children in emergencies as well as protecting their health and safety during wars and disasters.
UNICEF’s State of Global Learning Poverty 2022 update estimates that in 2022, 70 per cent of the world’s 10-year-olds lacked basic literacy skills. Limited access to the internet and digital devices, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, an issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has widened inequalities and the digital divide.
What we’re doing
Quality education and training are vital if children and young people are to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in school, work and life. This includes in subjects like science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where ensuring equal access for girls and women is particularly vital.
Yet the world is facing a learning crisis, with millions unable to break out of the cycle of poverty because they don’t get the skills they need to succeed. UNICEF estimates that in 2022, 70% of the world’s 10-year-olds were unable to read a simple sentence. This figure is up from 57% before the global COVID-19 pandemic.
A significant focus of the partnership between Formula 1 and UNICEF is to improve digital access through the expansion of UNICEF’s Learning Passport – a portable digital platform that enables children to continue learning online and offline. The Learning Passport is currently operational in 26 countries. Formula 1’s support will help UNICEF expand the programme to an additional 19 countries and enable the launch of an offline version for children in Mexico and Brazil.
What we will achieve
Together we will reach 6.5 million of the world’s most vulnerable children
Formula 1 is supporting UNICEF so that it can help 6.5 million of the world’s most vulnerable children have a quality education. This involves improving access to learning for marginalised children, increasing skills in key areas such as STEM education, providing temporary learning places for children in emergencies, and improving digital access.
“In a sport where research, technology and innovation play a vital role in a driver and team’s success, education is at the core of Formula 1. The partnership with UNICEF will enable us to effectively use our sport’s global platform to help bridge the educational divide experienced by the world’s most vulnerable children. Every child has a right to a quality education and to be protected during emergencies. We are proud that we can play a role in ensuring the most vulnerable children are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals.”