Music star Rihanna to advance education cause as Global Ambassador

Music sensation Rihanna is set to join a massive campaign as Global Ambassador to ensure that girls and boys in the world’s poorest countries can get a quality education.

The music star’s Clara Lionel Foundation has announced a multi-year partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and international advocacy group Global Citizen to advocate for the rights of the over quarter of a billion children and young people who are not in school today.

A statement notes that another estimated 330 million who are in school but not learning.

“Operating across more than 60 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality education, the partnership will prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable, including girls and children affected by conflict and crisis,” says an announcement.

Rihanna in her new role as GPE Global Ambassador, will encourage world leaders and policymakers to boost their support for global education and education in emergencies through the Global Partnership for Education, the only global organization focused exclusively on improving education in the world’s poorest countries.

A report of the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity presents compelling new data and analysis and makes the case for urgent action to ensure education is the foundation for a world that is prosperous, peaceful, equitable and future-ready.

Speaking of the partnership, Rihanna said, “I feel strongly that all children everywhere should be afforded the opportunity of a quality education. Therefore I’m proud to announce Clara Lionel Foundation’s partnership with education advocacy leaders like the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen. Working together, I know we can amplify our efforts and ensure that millions of children gain access to education globally.”

By Chris B derivative work: MyCanon (Rihanna, LOUD Tour, Belfast.jpg)  via Wikimedia Commons

GPE Chair and former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, said, “We are thrilled that Rihanna is joining GPE as Global Ambassador to campaign for every child to be able to experience the power of a quality education. We have a once in a generation opportunity to build the commitment of world leaders to education, and Rihanna’s voice and travels to countries where GPE is actively engaged, will be hugely influential in improving the lives of girls and boys everywhere.”

Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen said, “Achieving a future free of extreme poverty starts with education. In creating this partnership we bring together three complementary parties, Global Citizen will drive the advocacy and movement building efforts, Rihanna, whose reach as one of the greatest artists of our generation will amplify this essential work, and the Global Partnership for Education will campaign governments around the world to effect real change. By coming together, our organizations will have an impact for generations to come.”