Geneva-Servette Hockey club plays in honour of Smiling Children's activities for the progress of the girls and women

Geneva, February 21, 2011 (Smiling Children)
The Geneva-Servette Hockey Club (GSHC) and Smiling Children have joined forces to promote girls' and women's empowerment world-wide during GSHC's match against the Kloten Flyers on February 22, 2011, at the Vernets skating rink in Geneva at 19h45.

Mrs Kirsty Bertarelli, ambassador of Smiling Children, will give the send off to the match. "The work Smiling Children carries out to allow girls and women to fulfil their aspirations and to participate more actively in their communities has a direct and positive impact for its beneficiaries," declares Mrs Bertarelli. "What's more, while investing in the progress of the girls and women, the entire community benefits of the changes".

Smiling Children provides education for girls, social and professional integration for women, and acts for the protection of their rights. It is presently active in Afghanistan, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Israel, and, from 2011, in Brazil and India. (www.smilingchildren.org)

In Kabul, Smiling Children supports the training of teachers, the development of the curriculum and the scientific and technological equipment of the biggest school for girls of the country (about 5000 students) with the aim to transform the school in a model for the whole county.

In Morocco, Smiling Children works with its local partner to return little maids between 6 and 15 years old to their families and schools. More than 160 girls were reintegrated during the last three years, and for many more, the departure could be prevented.

In the Palestinian Territories, Smiling Children launched the first commercial radio managed by women for women, which addresses contemporary issues in a free and modern manner. (www.radionisaa.net)

In 2011, the Foundation is launching its pioneer program WomenChangeMakers in Brazil and in India. The program brings professional support to social entrepreneurs with an innovative idea in favour of women’s progress, and allows them to extend the reach of their activities and to increase their impact. (www.womenchangemakers.org)

"Since its creation in 2005, Smiling Children has developed projects allowing girls and women from disadvantaged communities to be educated, receive professional training and be more active in their society. WomenChangeMakers offers a new approach to increase the impact of strong local initiatives and thus to accelerate change," comments on Yann Borgstedt, president Smiling Children.

The game of the Geneva-Servette Hockey Club against the Kloten Flyers of February 22, 2011, will allow the Geneva public to get a glimpse of Smiling Children’s activities and to contribute its support for women and girls progress around the world.


to the editors:
Mrs Kirsty Bertarelli and M. Yann Borgstedt will be happy to answer interview requests.


Contacts : - M Paco Latorre, Chargé de relations publiques de Mme Bertarelli, paco.latorre@fondation-bertarelli.org, mob. +41 79 571 62 07
- Mme Antonella Notari Vischer, Directrice de Smiling Children, Antonella@smilingchildren.org, mob. +41 79 470 47 07

Smiling Children is happy to supply photographs of its activities, please contact: info@smilingchldren.org.
www.smilingchildren.org - www.womenchangemakers.org