Press Release
30 June 2008
Race against global poverty in DFID's new online game
Blackpool children first to test their development knowledge
 Blackpool children will test their international knowledge with a new online
game launched by International Development Minister Gillian Merron today at
Beacon Hill High School in Blackpool.
 Race Against Global Poverty is a fun and
interactive educational quiz game from DFID to help young people aged 11 to 16 develop a greater
understanding of world poverty.
The Minister, who recently returned from a trip to Malawi and Zambia, saw
first hand the effect that DFID funding is having on the fight against poverty.
Gillian Merron said:
"I’m pleased to be here today to launch DFID’s new online game, Race Against
Global Poverty. This gives children living in the UK the chance to learn about
the developing world in a fun and stimulating way, both in the classroom setting
and at home in the holidays.
"I have just returned from Malawi, a country in which Beacon Hill High School
has a partner school, supported from DFID’s Global School Partnerships (DGSP)
scheme. I was inspired by the determination of the people I met in Malawi to
improve their lives and develop their communities, I am proud that schools in UK
are supporting this effort."
In today's interconnected world, it's important that young people understand
the issues that shape the world they live in. The Race Against Global Poverty
game is one element of a range of activities and support that DFID is giving to
young people to raise their awareness of development issues and get them
involved.
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Notes to editors
- There will be a photocall and interview opportunities on Monday 30 June
2008 with the Minister, life size characters from the game and school children.
You are invited to send a reporter / cameraman / photographer. 1.10pm to 2.10pm
- with photos at 1.45pm - at Beacon Hill High School, Warbreck Hill Road,
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY2 0TS.
- The game asks quiz questions about global poverty and DFID’s work in
tackling the issues. It uses attractive and interactive animation, with
participants shown as animal characters racing around a racetrack.
- The game is also available as a free teaching resource on CD Rom. To
request a free teaching pack CD Rom email DFID@rapportgroup.com,
apply
online (and click on free resources) or call 020 8973 4032.
- The Department for International Development (DFID) is leading the UK
government’s fight against global poverty. DFID supports initiatives that
promote understanding amongst children and young people about the wider world
and global issues in the UK.
- Beacon Hill High School has a
partnership with Mkomachi LEA School in Malawi. DFID Global School Partnerships
promotes partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in Africa, Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean. It supports teachers and students from UK and
around the world to learn together about global development issues and to become
active global citizens. The scheme is funded by the DFID and delivered by a consortium of the British Council,
Cambridge Education Foundation, UK One World Linking Association (UKOWLA) and
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). More information from
Global School Partnerships.
For further information, contact GNN press office details or Amy Wright on
020 7023 0600, e-mail pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk or call our Public Enquiries Point
on 0845 300 4100.
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