International Cricket Council (ICC) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have started a new online learning course named Criio 4 Good, which promotes gender equality amongst young boys and girls. The course teaches some skills which will come in handy for all these youngsters throughout their lives.
The course was launched with the help of the Indian Ministry of Education, the Government of India, and the Board of Cricket Control in India.
Indian Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who recently returned from China after winning the gold medal in the Asian Games was also present at the launch, which was conducted at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. As a matter of fact, Smriti delivered the first of the eight modules in front of 1,000 young kids.
The program comprises 8 modules that will revolve around Gender Equity and will be delivered through the medium of cricket. Criiio 4 Good will consist of animated films that will teach the values of essential life skills like teamwork, goal setting, problem-solving, negotiation, empathy, leadership, and confidence.
To promote gender equality, ICC and UNICEF released a new online skills learning program called 'Criio 4 Good' #CricketTwitter 📸ICC pic.twitter.com/0ASZsFNIPQ
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 28, 2023
Each and every module will be available in 3 different languages, English, Hindi, and Gujarati, and will be available on criiio.com/criiio4good for free of cost. The Ministry of Education and the Government of India will be promoting this program through the Diksha Platform for over 1.5 million schools across the nation.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative said “UNICEF appreciates its partnership with ICC, Ministry of Education, and BCCI for promoting gender equity among girls and boys during ICC World Cup 2023. Criiio 4 Good is an innovative way to engage millions of young children and adolescents with the message that both girls and boys must enjoy equal opportunities to realize their rights and fulfill their aspirations. The Cricket World Cup provides an amazing opportunity to reach out to millions with the message that each one of us must be a champion for girls and equal rights for all children.”
Mr Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education said, “Empowerment of women, especially young girls has been the fundamental principles of NEP 2020 under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi Ji. We are glad that through Criiio 4 Good, the power of sports and popularity of cricket is being used as a medium to empower girls and spread awareness about gender equity.”
Jay Shah and Smriti Mandhana at the launch of an initiative aimed at empowering young individuals and advancing gender equality. #CricketTwitter #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/vL1J6kM8uG
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 28, 2023
The event was also attended by Mr Jay Shah, Secretary of BCCI. At the launch, he said, “The Cricket World Cup is set to inspire the children of India over the course of the next two months and this initiative is a landmark step towards empowering the youth of our nation. Criiio 4 Good not only promotes the values of cricket but also imparts crucial life skills, including the significance of gender equity. It’s a significant stride towards building a more equitable and enlightened future for our children.”
Indian vice-captain, who delivered the first module added, “I am immensely proud to support the ICC and UNICEF together with the Ministry of Education and BCCI on the Criiio 4 Good initiative. The modules are extremely engaging, and they use the power of cricket to talk about essential life skills and gender equity, among girls and boys in a fun, interactive way. Both girls and boys must be equally supported to reach their full potential, in sports and in life. This is an effort to give a message out in a simple and engaging manner.”
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah congratulates Smriti Mandhana and the Indian team on their Gold Medal win at the Asian Games.#CricketTwitter #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/8WSuNgV7Ad
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) September 28, 2023
ICC’s Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice thanked the Union Ministry as well as the Government of India. He said, “For the last eight years, the ICC and UNICEF have been leveraging the scale of our global cricket events to improve the lives of children and youth around the world. Criiio 4 Good illustrates our continued commitment to fostering positive change through what promises to be the biggest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ever.
“We’d also like to thank the Ministry of Education, Government of India for their support in ensuring that this program reaches millions of children across the country and leaves a lasting impact beyond the final ball of the World Cup.”
(Quotes sourced from ICC)
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