Right To Play 2023 Annual Report PDF

2023 Annual Report  TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from Our Global Leadership 4 Uprisers: Hayat’s Story 5 2023 Reach...

2023 Annual Report  TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from Our Global Leadership 4 Uprisers: Hayat’s Story 5 2023 Reach 6 Strategic Focus 8 Early Childhood Care and Education 11 Primary Education 12 Uprisers: Noelline’s Story 14 Gender Equality and Girls’ Well-being 17 Psychosocial Support 18 Supporting Children in Emergencies 20 Uprisers: Aime’s Story 21 Global Leadership Council 22 Global Donors and Supporters 22 Our Ambassadors 24 Uprisers: Hana’s Story 25 Select 2023 Partners 26 Global Consolidated Financials 27 Boards of Directors 28 Country and National Offices 29 Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 2  Protect Educate Empower Credit: Mehrdar Art & Production, Pakistan Cover Credit: Julius Mahela, Tanzania  MESSAGE FROM OUR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP Every child deserves to be loved and feel valued. To contributed the ideas and commitment that inspired feel safe and protected. To learn and discover the our new 2024–26 Strategic Plan, a strategy that will wonderful world around them. To dream their future see us deepen and scale our impact; build a more and reach it. responsive and resilient organization, and contribute But the daily reality that millions of children face to the growing body of evidence that play is key to today is one that is limited by poverty, discrimination, supporting children’s learning and well-being. and violence. And the compounding effects of We hope you will be inspired by what you read in this economic instability, conflict, and climate change report and feel, as we do, ever more committed to place children at increasing risk. Too many are forced protecting, educating, and empowering children to to learn in unsafe or overcrowded environments or to rise above adversity through the power of play. We are leave school entirely, forced into early marriage, and proud and grateful to have you by our side, and we forced from their homes and the people and places thank you for your generous support. they love. When everything around them looks like a roadblock and every word sounds like “Give up,” we are there to say: “Keep going.” In this report, you’ll learn how our teams in 21 countries mobilized last year to keep millions of children in school and learning, to encourage them to believe in themselves and develop the skills they need to thrive, to help them cope with trauma, and to create enabling environments for generations to Susan McIsaac Dag Skattum come. We did it using children’s language — play. CEO, Chair, Right To Play International International Board The results are significant: stronger parent-child of Directors bonds in Uganda and Tanzania, more inclusive classrooms in Burundi that meet the needs of children with disabilities, stronger literacy skills in Ethiopia, more children in Lebanon with support to cope with displacement, and more girls in Senegal with the munity, PS: On behalf of the entire Right To Play com chance to pursue their dreams. I would like to extend my deepest and most This important work was possible thanks to our generous donors, whose unflagging commitment to pletes children made it possible for us to respond to their heartfelt thanks to Dag Skattum as he com icated changing needs during these uncertain times. We also his time as Chair. We are grateful for his ded rs. Dag, service to Right To Play over the past 18 yea thank our staff, who not only served children but also your support has meant the world. – Susan Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 4  UPRISERS: HAYAT’S STORY “Learning here is fun. I am happy when we play games – it relaxes me and helps me concentrate on my studies.” – Hayat, Grade 4 student, Ethiopia Driven from home but keeping hopes high More than 4.51 million people in Ethiopia have fled their home regions to escape conflict and difficult conditions. Hayat is one of them. She arrived at a refugee settlement after a long and dangerous journey, eager to find a way back to the classroom. Play-based lessons and psychosocial support at a local school helped Hayat get back to classes and pass her exams, make new friends, and start to process the trauma she experienced. LEARN MORE Credit: Synergy Habesha, Ethiopia  2023 REACH In 2023, we protected, educated, and empowered children in 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and in Indigenous communities in Canada. This work was supported by the resource mobilization efforts of seven National Offices in North America and Europe. WHERE WE WORK NORWAY LEBANON UNITED KINGDOM JORDAN CANADA NETHERLANDS PALESTINIAN SWITZERLAND TERRITORIES UNITED STATES GERMANY PAKISTAN MALI THAILAND SENEGAL ETHIOPIA GHANA UGANDA RWANDA BURUNDI Global Office TANZANIA National Office Country Office MOZAMBIQUE WHERE WE IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS Areas where Places where Places impacted by educational gender inequality and conflict, crisis, and inequalities social exclusion impact climate change, are prevalent children and young including refugee and people host communities Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 6 In 2023, we reached millions of children and young people with play-based programs that promote their learning and well-being. IN 2023 WE REACHED 5.6 million CHILDREN 15,913 YOUNG PEOPLE 87,552 REFUGEE CHILDREN through direct and including more than 4,800 in 93 refugee camps partner-led programs; Junior Leaders who gained and internally displaced 49% of them were girls skills to support their peers person–settlements 111,350 PARENTS & CAREGIVERS 149,189 EDUCATORS & COACHES with programs that with training that equipped empowered them to them to support children’s protect children and learning and well-being support their learning Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 7  STRATEGIC FOCUS MISSION To protect, educate, and empower children to rise above adversity using the power of play. CORE PROGRAMS EARLY CHILDHOOD GENDER EQUALITY PRIMARY PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE AND AND GIRLS’ EDUCATION SUPPORT EDUCATION WELL-BEING OUTCOMES Children and Children and Children Teachers and Learning young people young people recognize and facilitators have spaces are have supportive have supportive believe in their improved skills fun and relationships relationships own abilities and well-being equitable with peers with adults IMPACT IMPROVED IMPROVED IMPROVED SOCIO- LEARNING WELL-BEING EMOTIONAL SKILLS 2024–26 PRIORITIES Elevate children and young Scale impact Build evidence on people’s learning and well- through partnership, the impact of play to being through play collaboration, and innovation influence policy and systems Deliver programs Focus on growth Invest in our people that respond to a rapidly by deepening and and strengthen organizational changing world and climate diversifying funding effectiveness and impact Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 8  Helping children to develop and thrive through play Credit: Right To Play, Jordan  Igniting learning through play Credit: Luca Imberi, Ghana  EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION We promoted positive attitudes toward early education, equipping caregivers and kindergarten teachers with play-based tools to support children’s holistic development and foundational learning. Putting play therapy skills in the hands of parents in Tanzania and Uganda “For children, 12,500 young children in Tanzania and Uganda have more positive relationships with their parents and are more developmentally, play is their language. These ready to learn, thanks to Play to Grow, a pilot project developed with the support of the LEGO Foundation. The project supported 3,100 parents to use play to strengthen bonds with their children and support their socio-emotional, educational, and developmental needs hands-on sessions help parents connect with their through skills like letting the child lead in play, reflecting feelings, giving choices, and encouraging efforts. In Tanzania, the percentage of caregivers who reported observing positive socio-emotional skills and behaviour in their children increased from 39% at the start of the children through play.” project to 64% at the end. In Uganda, parents reported a similar increase, from 21% to 46%. –D  r. Deborah Ojiambo, PhD, NCC, Professor We’ll build on the successful pilot in 2024 with Play to at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Grow Flex, a version of the program adapted to meet the Director, Safe Haven Child and Family needs of parents and children who have experienced Counselling Centre; Play to Grow project trauma and are living in crisis settings and fragile advisor contexts, such as refugee and host communities. Equipping kindergarten teachers to support Early Childhood Development Centres support early learning in Ghana children affected by displacement in Uganda 48,000 kindergarten teachers received high-quality More children in refugee and host communities in teacher training from Right To Play, thanks to Isingiro District accessed early childhood education support from the LEGO Foundation, Sabre Education, and development, thanks to community mobilization Innovations for Poverty Action, and the Ministry of activities that were offered with support from Education Education. We trained teachers 2X Cannot Wait. Our teams promoted in how to deliver the national positive attitudes toward education The number of kindergarten curriculum to 1.2 through radio, door-to-door caregivers in million learners in 24,000 public campaigns, and parent meetings, Uganda who schools, using playful activities like and encouraged 1,400 children observed positive alphabet hopscotch, which helps to enrol in ECE centres — a 34% socioemotional skills in their children learn their letters, and increase over previous years. 56% of children more than doubled, rising games that teach numeracy and newly enrolled learners were girls. from 21% to 46%. socio-emotional skills. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 11  PRIMARY EDUCATION Our play-based projects supported school-aged children to return to school, improve their literacy skills, and perform better academically, laying a foundation for success in school and life. Back-to-school campaign shifts attitudes toward Facilitating learning between Education education in Burundi Ministries in Ghana and Sierra Leone Thanks to awareness-building and re-enrolment campaigns Right To Play Ghana hosted a bilateral exchange led by Girls’ Clubs, Coaches, and educational staff in Ruyigi with the Honourable Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Province, 461 out-of-school children returned to education. Minister of Education for the Republic of Ghana, The area is home to a high population of returnees, and only and the Honourable Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, 49% of children are enrolled in school. With support from Minister of Education for the Republic of Sierra Global Affairs Canada through the My Education, Leone. The exchange created space for the My Future project, our staff used outreach activities such Ministers and education officials from both as home visits and dramas to bring children back to countries to share opportunities to strengthen the classroom. education systems and ensure that all children can access quality education and achieve strong learning outcomes. Improving children’s reading proficiency in Ethiopia In their discussions, the Ministers explored Children in Grades 1 to 4 who struggle with literacy how integrating play-based learning across accessed additional support at Reading Centres through the different levels of education systems can a project supported by the Norwegian agency for accelerate learning outcomes and encourage development cooperation (Norad). Without a firm foundation holistic skills development. They looked at in core reading skills, children struggle to remain in school examples of how Ghana’s partnership with and succeed. In the Reading Centres, facilitators and Junior Right To Play has helped strengthen teachers’ Leaders supported 1,100 primary students to improve their skills and the delivery of compentency-based literacy skills by singing songs, reading stories, journaling, curriculum to millions of learners. and playing games that reinforce reading skills. Today, 47.5% of Grade 4 children participating in the program are reading at grade-appropriate comprehension, up from 9.3% at the start of the project. Remedial classes support children affected by learning loss in Jordan Primary students improved their comprehension of core subjects, thanks to weekly remedial classes where teachers used play to make lessons accessible and engaging. Students in Jordan are still experiencing learning loss caused by pandemic-related school closures. After participating in the classes, which are supported by the Walter Haefner Foundation, 78% of students saw improved Credit: Yves Nijimbere, Burundi grades across math, science, Arabic, and English. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 12  PRIMARY EDUCATION “As displaced people, we are more Partnering with community-based organizations to address educational aware of the difficulties that our barriers in Mali More than 37,000 conflict-affected children are facing, and it’s our children have better access to quality education, thanks to EMPOWER, a new project supported by Global Affairs duty and obligation to guarantee Canada. Active in the Bandiagara, Gao, and Mopti regions, the project is equipping them a future.” community-based organizations led by women and internally displaced persons to help out-of-school children get back to learning, and to enhance the quality of – Aminata Ongoiba, President of the Grassroots Community education by using playful activities that Organization of Displaced People, a Right To Play partner make lessons fun and engaging. organization in Mali Blended online and in-person training helps teachers bring play into classrooms in Rwanda 159,000 primary students will Creating child-friendly learning benefit from playful learning, environments in Pakistan thanks to new teacher training 1,500 out-of-school children developed with support from in Karachi enrolled in non- the LEGO Foundation, Rwanda’s formal education centres that Ministry of Education, the support learning and life-skills University of Rwanda, the development for disadvantaged University of Cambridge, and Credit: Right To Play, Pakistan youth, thanks to efforts by Right the Rwanda Education Board. 98% To Play–trained teachers and Teachers in the blended project coaches. More than 28 million of Grade 4 are learning how to use play children in Pakistan do not go to children we to help students develop core school, many of them girls. In the worked with academic and socio-emotional centres, educators use play-based in Tanzania are reading at a grade- skills. The training was designed learning activities to help children appropriate level, with Rwandan teachers to ensure in underserved communities up from 77% at the start of the content would be relevant to develop positive associations with the project. real-life classroom contexts and school and return to learning. teacher needs. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 13  UPRISERS: NOELLINE’S STORY “My friends advised me to come back to school. I said to myself, let’s go back for getting a better future.” – Noelline, 14-year-old Junior Leader, Burundi Taking her future into her own hands In Burundi, 51% of children affected by displacement do not go to school. Noelline was one of these children. She was forced to drop out of school when her parents couldn’t afford the fees. Her friends, members of a Right To Play–supported Girls’ Club, encouraged her not to give up on her dreams of an education and, fuelled by their encouragement, she found a way back to the classroom. Now she’s a member of the Girls’ Club too. As a Junior Leader, she performs plays that use humour and real- life examples to challenge gender norms and encourage parents and community leaders to support girls and out-of-school children to return to the classroom. LEARN MORE Credit: Julius Mahela, Burundi  Credit: Julius Mahela, Burundi Noelline and the Girls’ Club perform In this scene, set in a school office during a play for the community that raises enrolment season, Noelline plays the role of the Head Teacher. She sits behind a desk as two other awareness of the importance of equal characters, a father and son, approach her. access to education. Head Teacher: “Why are you coming to enrol this Father: “I do not understand what you mean. Why young boy alone? Where is his sister?” would the police care if my daughter is at home?” Father: “The reason is that only boys can go to Son: “If the policeman comes to take my father into school. Girls, they are not allowed to go to school.” jail, I will bite him.” (The audience laughs as the boy Head Teacher: “It is very sad to hear what you are mimes biting a police officer.) saying about girls’ education. In fact, a girl is able to Father: (speaking to his son) “I have my doubts about do what a boy can do. You are really amazing me with this Head Teacher; maybe she is not qualified.’’ your mindset.” Son: “She might be a liar! Maybe she is not a Head Father: “Whatever you say I cannot accept. I refuse to Teacher, and she is someone going to the market for hear your arguments.” her business since it is a market day.’’ (The audience Head Teacher: “How many children do you have?” laughs again.) Father: “I have two children, a girl and this boy. I Head Teacher: “You can believe what you want. But came in to enrol this boy, but the girl must stay at I know that all children, including girls, have a right to home busy with chores.” education. Your daughter must be allowed to enrol in school!” Head Teacher: “Please go and bring your daughter for enrolment immediately. If you refuse, I will have to call the policeman, and for sure you will be jailed.” Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 15  Empowering girls and supporting psychosocial well-being Credit: Ralph Azar, Lebanon  GENDER EQUALITY AND GIRLS’ WELL-BEING We improved access to health information and services, conducted research around gender-based violence prevention, and broke down barriers to girls’ participation – on the field and in the classroom. Understanding harmful norms and attitudes that contribute Promoting gender equality and to gender-based violence in Uganda and Lebanon girls’ empowerment through A three-year research project, conducted in partnership with the Global sports in Senegal Women’s Institute and the University of the Fraser Valley, engaged with 230 coaches – 47% of them adolescent girls in Uganda and Lebanon to better understand their women – are empowering youth perceptions of gender-based violence (GBV) and how it affects their through soccer, basketball, lives. The project aims to use the findings to create more targeted and and other sports, thanks to a effective resources to combat root causes of GBV and monitor project training delivered in the RECAF- impact. Jeu project, with the support By using playful and participatory evaluation approaches that empower of Global Affairs Canada. Sports participants and limit the risk of retraumatization, researchers collected helps youth develop life skills, yet data that centred the experiences and voices of young people, there are few female coaches in especially girls. Participants were encouraged to journal using writing Senegalese sports to empower prompts, to draw “safe” and “unsafe” community spaces, and to create young girls. These coaches are vignettes to foster discussions. Researchers learned about the gender breaking down stereotypes about norms and roles that contribute to GBV, and saw promising indicators women’s capabilities and places in that youth-led initiatives can contribute to a shift in social perceptions sports leadership roles, inspiring of GBV. thousands of girls. Improving access to gender-responsive health Helping girls stay in school in Tanzania information and services in Mozambique Right To Play–trained teachers and Girls’ Club The SHARE project is equipping more than 162,000 young leaders are helping 4,800 girls in Grades 5 to people to keep themselves safe from disease, avoid early 7 in the Tarime and Serengeti Districts to stay pregnancy, and become advocates for their health and in school and learn through the Save Her Seat well-being. At the start of the project, only 50% of young project. Girls in these areas have high dropout women in project areas felt they could make their own rates due to poverty, early marriage, and decisions about their sexual activity, use of contraception, menstrual health challenges, and only 23% of and when to access health care. Through Community- girls have adequate knowledge of menstrual Based Mentorship Groups and School Health Clubs, health and hygiene practices. The project, which community mentors and health workers supported young is supported by the UK Government and the people to claim their sexual and reproductive health and Liverpool Football Club Foundation, uses play- rights. The project is offered in partnership with the Forum based activities to help girls develop confidence for African Women Educationalists, FHI 360, WaterAid, and perseverance, and learn how to protect and Global Affairs Canada, and also works closely with themselves from abuse, and early pregnancy Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health and marriage. to ensure long-term sustainability. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 17  PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT We piloted new projects to better understand how play helps children cope with crisis and foster belonging. We also provided psychosocial support to children experiencing trauma and displacement. Piloting new programs that support children’s well-being Fostering youth connection to through play Secwépemc cultural traditions For too many children, crisis is the new normal. Climate-related disasters, in Canada conflict, and forced displacement put a heavy emotional burden on At a Youth Centre in Esk’etemc children and their families. These stressors can inhibit brain development First Nation, Community Mentors and a child’s ability to learn, limiting their future. encouraged Indigenous youth to Last year, pilot projects in Lebanon and Pakistan used music and connect to their cultural traditions movement to support children to process trauma and find ways to by making Indigenous regalia, communicate about and manage their emotions — skills that are key including belts, fans, bustles, factors in improving children’s psychosocial well-being. skirts and shirts. These activities fostered a sense of belonging and Our Policy Brief, “Promoting Psychosocial Well-being Through the Power pride in their heritage and created of Play”, spotlighted learnings from these programs as well as external opportunities to learn from their research on how play helps children develop, Elders. Community Mentors learn, and cope with challenging situations, and also supported youth to build made policy recommendations for how funders confidence and resilience through and governments can support this critical area of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor child protection. LEARN MORE activities, land-based programs, and intergenerational events. “Through play, children of all ages can explore their feelings, learn problem- solving strategies, and gain a sense of control over their experiences.” –D  r. Ashley Nemiro, licensed family therapist and Credit: Dallas George, Canada mental health and psychosocial expert Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 18  Marking 21 years of impactful programming in Thailand Right To Play Thailand brought the power of play to more than 160,000 children and young people across the country between 2002 and 2023. Children in refugee settlements received support to Credit: Right To Play, Palestinian Territories cope with displacement, youth in Bangkok developed confidence and communication skills through Supporting children with disabilities in the sports, and young offenders Palestinian Territories gained life skills to help them Children were able to return to school and are showing positive learning reintegrate into society. Right To outcomes thanks to the Norad-supported EQIE project. For children Play projects in Thailand ended with disabilities living in the West Bank and Gaza, accessing safe and in 2023, and we are grateful to inclusive learning environments can be challenging. Educators enhanced our staff, our communities, and classrooms to respond to the needs of children with disabilities, and our partners, including DKSH in Gaza, our team led engagement campaigns that have helped more and the Liverpool Football Club than 200 children with disabilities enrol in school since the start of the Foundation, for their incredible program. 94% of them successfully passed their school exams. commitment and support. Fostering social dialogue and cohesion in Lebanon Women and youth are promoting social cohesion in their communities through a new project called We’am, supported by the European Union. Lebanon has experienced significant political, economic, and social upheaval in recent years, leading to increased social tensions. Women and youth are using music, sports, and other play-based approaches to engage more than 950,500 community members over the In Lebanon, children who lifetime of the project through participated in the Music for national-level campaigns that Emergencies pilot project showed will support them to identify the improvements in confidence, causes of social tensions in the self-esteem, communication, Creditgraphy: James MacDonald, Thailand communities and build respect and emotional regulation skills. and common ground. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 19  SUPPORTING CHILDREN IN EMERGENCIES When an emergency strikes, children are the first and the most affected. Last year, we were able to quickly respond to three emergencies through the Children’s Emergency Fund. Donations to the Fund support children and families with the supplies, spaces, and support they need to cope with trauma and return to learning. Supporting children in Mozambique affected by Cyclone Freddy In February, our teams distributed more than 1,000 kits containing toothbrushes, soap, menstrual products, school uniforms, and notebooks to children and families affected by Cyclone Freddy. The major storm destroyed homes, schools, and community spaces, and interrupted children’s learning. Our teams also provided assisted devices to children who had lost theirs in the storm. Keeping children learning Credit: Right To Play, Mozambique in Rwanda In May, our teams distributed learning and play kits to children and schools affected by heavy flooding and landslides that destroyed homes and schools in the country’s western and northern provinces. They also supported the District Authority to facilitate a remedial learning project that gave more than 1,200 grade 6 students a chance to continue learning. Credit: Associated Press Supporting children in the Palestinian Territories Donations to the Children’s Emergency Fund and funding from Global Affairs Canada and Norad provided thousands of warmth kits and psychosocial support kits to children and families sheltering in tents and schools in Gaza. Children are experiencing trauma and learning loss that will have long-term negative impacts on their well-being and development. We are coordinating with local agencies to assess children’s ongoing needs, including children with disabilities, and developing a response that can support them to recover and return to learning when Credit: Right To Play, Palestinian Territories it’s possible to do so. Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 20  UPRISERS: AIME’S STORY “Children should know that they are capable of doing anything.” – Aime, 11-year-old student, Rwanda Calling for action on climate change in Rwanda Aime lives in Rubavu, an area that was impacted by devastating floods in 2023. More than 18,000 individuals and families across Rwanda were displaced by the flooding. Aime was deeply affected by seeing friends lose homes and loved ones in the floods, and he wanted to help. The 11-year- old was learning coding as part of Right To Play’s Plug in Play project, which gives learners a chance to practise foundational STEM skills like making, tinkering, and coding. When he returned to school, he used a coding program to highlight how a changing climate caused flooding in his community and ways people can protect themselves against the impact of flooding. He won third prize in a national Scratch coding competition for his project! LEARN MORE Credit: Round Designs, Rwanda  GLOBAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL This network of international leaders is committed to supporting our work. We thank our founding members for their leadership. Johann Olav Koss Wilco Jiskoot & Alexandra Schaapveld Rob Pulford Martin Bidermann Adrian Keller Dr. Michael Siefke Rainer-Marc Frey Barbara Keller Dag Skattum Tatjana Frey Robert MacLellan Lawrence M. Tanenbaum, O.C. Mark Hantho Meridee Moore Florian Wendelstadt John & Deborah Harris Mehrdad Noorani Urs & Simone Wietlisbach Ragnar Horn Dwight Poler GLOBAL DONORS AND SUPPORTERS We thank the following funders who contributed CAD $25,000 or more to Right To Play between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. A Gaby & Katia Abdelnour Chamandy Foundation GoodLife Fitness Mireille Abujawdeh CIBC Goldman Sachs Gives (U.S.) Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Cowater International Government of Canada Anton Sport Nancy Curtin & John Stafford Government of Manitoba ASICS Government of Ontario AltaGas Ltd. D  Dentsu Norge AS DKSH Group H Monica & Mark Hantho B Bain Capital Children’s Charity Ltd. Dutch Postcode Lottery The Harold E. Ballard Foundation The Bassatne Family John & Deborah Harris Baur Immobilien AG E Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Melody Harris-Jensbach BE Bio Energy Group AG EFG International AG Hasenacher Stiftung Hans & Brigitte Bidermann Hassan & Rasha Elmasry HG Capital Martin & Barbara Bidermann The Embassy of the Kingdom of Ragnar & Joey Horn BILD hilft e.V. „Ein Herz für Kinder“ the Netherlands (EKN) Jörg Hössl Erbengemeinschaft Dorry Karin & Lonnie Howell Keller-Bodmer F Fagus lucida-Stiftung Huntsman Gay Global Capital Etienne Boitel & Susann Frölicher Boitel FIFA Foundation Community Martinus Brandal Programme I Independent Franchise Partners, LLP Christopher Braunack, Kirkland & Fondation Philanthropique Famille Infront Sports & Media AG Ellis International LLP Sandoz Breach Family Christina Flügel J Patrik & Claudia Jeuch-Bidermann Brødrene Jensen AS Flutter Entertainment PLC JP Morgan Chase Dr. Christoph Franz & Isabelle Schaal C Capgemini Invent Frey Charitable Foundation Capital Impact Foundation Luisa & Georg Fritzmeier Carlson-Burkart Family Future Skills Centre The Carson Family Charitable Trust G The George Washington University Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 22 K Anka Kast O Gregory Olafson T  The TAG Fund: The families of Ken Kearney Olympic Refuge Foundation Tanenbaum, Julie Albert & Lisa Gnat Tom Kessler & Anne-Sophie Dreier Anthony Tamer Kindle Capital Group Inc. P Meena & Mark Pellerin Nancy & Tim Taussig King Coffee AS The PepsiCo Canada Foundation Lance & Robyn Taylor Kirkland & Ellis International LLP Peter Gilgan Foundation TC Energy (Germany) Andrew Pickersgill & Timeless Foundation Morten Kleven Stephanie Bloomfield Wale Tinubu Daniel & Marcella Pinto Garrick Tiplady L Lacoste Foundation Leo Plank Tom Wilhelmson’s Foundation Greg Lai Kirsten & Dwight Poler Tripp/Smith Family Foundation The Lawrence & Judith Tanenbaum Principality of Liechtenstein, Ministry of Family Foundation Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport U UEFA Foundation for Children The LEGO Foundation Promedica Stiftung, Chur UK Aid from the UK Government LEGO Canada Rob Pulford & Elizabeth Moore Pulford UK People’s Postcode Lottery The Leri Charitable Trust UNICEF LesLois Shaw Foundation R Rahn+Bodmer Co. Ursimone Wietlisbach Foundation The Light Foundation RBC Capital Markets Erik Lynne RBC Foundation V Vinik Family Foundation Reed Smith LLP M Make-A-Wish Foundation Joseph & Idamis Regan W Walter Haefner Stiftung Rob & Margaret MacLellan Andree Rheaume & Robert Fitzhenry WEGA Care gGmbH Tamar Manoukian Family Foundation Florian Wendelstadt Martin Kaymer Helianthus Stiftung Right To Play Friends Valais Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. Mastermind Toys Robert & Dana Emery Family Oliver Wyman Foundation McCall MacBain Foundation Rogers Communications Canada Inc. The McCance Foundation Z Steinar Zinke Rolex Leslie McCormack Gathy ZSC Lions Eishockey AG Kate McGilvray & David Pathe S S. C. Johnson & Son Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Ana & Julian Salisbury Mirnahill Foundation Christa, Paul & Constantin Schenker MLSE Foundation Bruno Otmar Schick Meridee Moore SENSE Foundation Dr. Michael Siefke N National Bank Dag & Julie Skattum Ness, Risan & Partners Skattum Eiendom AS The Nike N7 Fund The Slaight Family Foundation The Nixon Charitable Foundation #startsmall Merilee & Mehrdad Noorani Stichting Virtutis Opus Northern Mat & Bridge Summa Stiftelsen Norwegian Agency for Development Stiftung Drittes Millennium Cooperation Ingeborg Dénes-Muhr Stiftung Nuclear Waste Management Ola Ström Organization Maria & Malek Sukkar Suncor Energy Foundation Sun Life Swiss Life Asset Managers Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 23  OUR AMBASSADORS Thank you to all the Ambassadors who supported and amplified our work in 2023. Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Alpine Skiing, Martina Hingis, Tennis, Switzerland Anna Schaffelhuber, Para Alpine Skiing, Norway Germany Benoît Huot, Para Swimming, Canada Chemmy Alcott, Alpine Skiing, Manuela Schär, Para Athletics, Switzerland Alison Jackson, Cycling, Canada United Kingdom Lauritz Schoof, Rowing, Germany Therese Johaug, Cross-Country, Norway Kayla Alexander, Basketball, Canada Alex & Maia Shibutani, Ice Dancing, Hugo Kennis, TV Chef, The Netherlands Bianca Andreescu, Tennis, Canada United States Bruno Kernen, Alpine Skiing, Switzerland Nora Angehrn, Golf, Switzerland Pascal Siakam, Basketball, Cameroon Carlos Lima, Handball, Switzerland Miranda Ayim, Basketball, Canada Birgit Skarstein, Rowing, Cross-Country, Aksel Lund Svindal, Alpine Skiing, Norway Billy Bridges, Sledge Hockey, Canada Norway Arvin Slagter, 3x3 Basketball, Marco Büchel, Board Member, Rosie Maclennan, Gymnastics, The Netherlands Alpine Skiing, Switzerland Canada Sami Jo Small, Ice Hockey, Canada Pat Burgener, Snowboarding, Switzerland Joana Mäder, Beach Volleyball, Ben Sonnemans, Judo, Entrepeneur, Dario Cologna, Cross-Country Skiing, Switzerland The Netherlands Switzerland Lucas Malcotti, Fencing, Switzerland Christian Sørum, Beach Volleyball, Norway Marijn de Vries, Cycling, Journalist, Host, Sadio Mané, Football, Senegal The Netherlands Lauren Stam, Field Hockey, Alexander Martinez, Track & Field, The Netherlands Diggy Dex, Singer/Songwriter, Switzerland The Netherlands Jeroen Stekelenburg, Sports Journalist, Diana Matheson, Soccer, Canada The Netherlands Sasha DiGiulian, Rock Climbing, United States Brolin Mawejje, Snowboarding, Uganda, Amelie Stiefvatter, Moviemaker & United States Moderator, Germany Uschi Disl, Biathlon, Germany Marnie McBean, Rowing, Canada Johannes Thingnes Bo, Biathlon, Norway Eva Drummond-de Goede, Field Hockey, The Netherlands Anders Mol, Beach Volleyball, Norway Thijs van Dam, Field Hockey, Ragnhild Mowinckel, Alpine Skiing, The Netherlands Sam Effah, Track & Field, Canada Norway Tessa Veldhuis, Rugby, TV Host, Halvor Egner Granerud, Ski Jumping, Tanguy Nef, Slalom, Switzerland The Netherlands Norway Marissa Papaconstantinou, Rivkah op het Veld, Sports Journalist, Perdita Felicien, Track & Field, Para Athletics, Canada The Netherlands Canada Suzann Pettersen, Golf, Norway Anouk Vergé-Dépré, Beach Volleyball, Allyson Felix, Track & Field, Switzerland United States Andrew Poje, Ice Dancing, Canada Anouk Vetter, Track & Field, Nouchka Fontijn, Boxing, Coach, Speaker, The Netherlands The Netherlands Nathan Redmond, Football, United Kingdom Hayley Wickenheiser, Ice Hockey, Canada Severin Freund, Ski Jumping, Germany Kevin Rempel, Sledge Hockey, Canada Raphael Wicky, Soccer, Switzerland Akwasi Frimpong, Skeleton, Laurence Rochat, Cross-Country Skiing, Erica Wiebe, Wrestling, Canada The Netherlands Switzerland Markus Zberg, Cycling, Switzerland Roger Furrer, Golf, Switzerland Bernhard Russi, Honorary Board Member, Mats Zuccarello, Ice Hockey, Norway Théo Gmür, Para Alpine Skiing, Switzerland Alpine Skiing, Switzerland Sasha Gollish, Track & Field, Canada Abdi Salam Ali, Track & Field, Switzerland Kayla Grey, Media, Canada Pien Sanders, Field Hockey, The Netherlands Marco Hagemann, Commentator & Moderator, Germany Maximilian Schachmann, Cycling, Germany Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 24  UPRISERS: HANA’S STORY Credit: Heran Films, Ethiopia Inspiring tomorrow’s changemakers “There was Hana moved around a lot growing up on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When her parents divorced and she went to a new school, something inside she felt isolated and anxious, and struggled to cope with those big feelings. She heard about a Right To Play program in her community and decided to try it out. That’s where she met Coach Nunu. In the program, Nunu led fun games and activities that gave children the chance to develop skills like communication, problem-solving, and me. I wanted to be big, an influential leadership. Hana loved it and soon began leading sessions herself. Now Hana is a motivational speaker and youth mentor who dares younger generations of girls to go after their ambitions. She and Nunu reunited in March 2023 to speak at an International Women’s Day event held by a nearby school and woman.” attended by more than 500 students, teachers, and community members. –H  ana, Right To Play Alumna LEARN MORE Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 25  SELECT 2023 PARTNERS We are deeply thankful to the following global partners who have shown significant commitment to Right To Play over the last year by generously providing funding, supporting project implementation, and amplifying awareness of the organization at a global level. #StartSmall Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 26  GLOBAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIALS We are grateful for the trust that donors have placed in us to protect, educate, and empower children. We are proud to share annual reports and financial statements as part of our commitment to openness and accountability. As at December 31, 2023 and 2022 2023 2022 Where the Assets $ $ Money Goes Current assets Cash 33,344,468 34,636,553 Fundraising & Programs Investments 4,569,070 4,155,782 administration $54,266,822 Contributions receivable 4,827,941 3,808,145 $9,161,103 85.6% Harmonized Sales Tax receivable 186,737 172,811 14.4% Prepaid and other expenses 1,441,247 1,249,569 44,369,463 44,022,860 Capital assets 624,961 789,041 44,994,424 44,811,901 Liabilities Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,516,399 4,818,642 Deferred contributions 21,158,633 21,338,817 Deferred lease inducement 31,093 31,093 25,706,125 26,188,552 Where the Money Long-term Deferred lease inducement 211,808 242,901 Comes From Deferred capital contributions 485,067 575,443 Foundations 26,403,000 27,006,896 & charities Net assets Other $23,029,465 Invested in capital assets 314,069 555,132 $2,437,032 35.9% 3.8% Internally restricted net assets 4,155,782 4,155,782 Unrestricted 14,121,573 13,094,091 18,591,424 17,805,005 44,994,424 44,811,901 Individuals & corporations Government For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 $18,948,373 $19,799,474 29.5% 30.8% Revenue Government 19,799,474 22,469,354 Individuals 9,385,057 8,966,276 Corporations 9,563,316 10,002,843 Foundations and charities 23,029,465 21,694,340 Visit our website to see a full audited Donations-in-kind 117,821 98,506 report of Right To Play International’s Interest on investments and interest 2023 Financials, including notes income and miscellaneous income 2,319,211 1,514,237 that are an integral part of these Total Revenue 64,214,344 64,745,556 consolidated financial statements. Expenses LEARN MORE Program expenses Program implementation 52,020,645 51,696,813 Public awareness and education 2,246,177 1,740,967 Total program expenses 54,266,822 53,437,780 Non-program expenses Administrative 4,091,395 3,742,396 Fundraising 5,069,708 5,139,391 Total non-program expenses 9,161,103 8,881,787 Total expenses 63,427,925 62,319,567 Excess of revenue over expenses 786,419 2,425,989 Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 27  BOARDS OF DIRECTORS International Board of Directors Nick Hartmann United Kingdom Dag Skattum, Chair Fatim Kissa-Diekmann Perihan Bassatne, Chair until Johann Olav Koss, Founder Lesley Kyd-Rebenburg December 2023 Matt Tedford, Treasurer Leo Plank Leslie McCormack Gathy, Deputy Chair Gaby Abdelnour Florian Wendelstadt Mireille Abujawdeh Mireille Abujawdeh Chemmy Crawford (Alcott) Leen Al Zaibak Norway Nancy Curtin Kristina Brovig Ted Skattum, Chair Sonal Dash Amadou Gallo Fall Marianne Bekken Lindsay Groves Tsega Gebreyes Jan Kvalheim Alex Howell Wilco Jiskoot Johann Olav Koss Kasase Kabwe Rehmah Kasule Kristin Skauan Kleven Marijana Kolak Kate McGilvray Aksel Lund Svindal Greg Lai Mehrdad Noorani Roger Solheim Karyn Macdonald Andrew Pickersgill Michael Vollset Kjartan Rist Kristin Skauan Kleven Louisa Watt Larry Tanenbaum Switzerland Garrick Tiplady Martin Bidermann, Chair United States Florian Wendelstadt Dr. Thomas Hammer, Vice-Chair Rob Pulford, Chair Dr. Rebecca Winthrop Eric-A. Balet Lance R. Taylor, Vice Chair Dr. Cream Wright Marco Büchel Nancy Arnot Taussig Déborah Carlson-Burkart Allyson Felix Canada Barbara Keller Mali Friedman Jake Lawrence, Chair Tom Kessler Sung Hae Kim Mervyn Allen Dr. Christoph Nater Mark Pellerin Laura Charters Carruthers François Randin Evelyn Stevens Loren Francis Sonja Ringdal Shiv Vasisht Tim Haney Dr. iur. Carole Schmied-Syz Steinar Zinke James Harbilas Christoph Tonini Mark Hantho, Emeritus Ava Hill Alexander Troller Shannon Hosford Marnie McBean The Netherlands Noel McDonald Mickey Hovers, Chair George So Roderik Bolle Sean St. John Pamela Boumeester Tim Stinson Remko de Bruijn Ken Tanenbuam Harmen Holtrop Sandra Taube-Godard Margriet de Schutter Hermine Voûte Germany (resigned February 2023) Dr. Michael Siefke, Chair Mies de Vries Georg Fritzmeier Gijs Vuursteen Luisa Fritzmeier Melody Harris-Jensbach Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 28  COUNTRY OFFICES Burundi Lebanon Rwanda Avenue Muyinga, Plot Number: 9, Street #901, Dekwaneh 1161 Industrial No. 17, KN 16 Avenue, Kiyovu, Kigali Bujumbura Park Bldg, 4th Floor +250 252 583 310 +257 22 27 36 27 Dekwaneh, Mount-Lebanon +961 1 684183, +961 1 684332 Senegal Canada Sacré Coeur 3 VDN N°9366 43 Front Street East, Unit 200 Mali BP: 17639, Dakar Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3 Missabougou, Route du 3ème Pont, +221 338242046 +1 416 203 0190 près de la « Station Total », Bamako +223 20 21 10 24 Tanzania Ethiopia Plot #446, Darui Street Kirkos Sub-city, Woreda 07 Mozambique Mikocheni Regent Estate Zefco Building, Lanchia, Addis Ababa Rua Fernão Melo e Castro, N0 276, P.O.Box 79701, Dar es Salaam +251 11 467 0522 First Floor, Maputo, +255 (0) 22 2774161 Bairro da Sommerchield Ghana +258 82 304 2021 Thailand No. 24 Sunflower Street, 2533 Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, East Legon, Accra Pakistan Prakhanong, Bangkok 10260 +233 3 07 038 353 Plot 3-D, 3rd Road, near Shifa Hospital +66 (0) 2 740 3520-22 and NOA CSS Academy, G-10/4, Jordan Islamabad Uganda Mohammad Abdullah Sadeq Street, +92 51 210 9927-28 Plot 27 Bukoto Drive house 47, Villa 11B, Amman opposite Radio Simba P.O.Box 24947, +962 (06)556 1328 Palestinian Territories Kampala Al Attari Building No. 67, 3rd Floor, +256 414 531 308/313 Nile Street, Al Tireh, Ramallah +970 2297 5733 NATIONAL OFFICES Canada Netherlands United Kingdom 43 Front Street East, Unit 200 Johan Huizingalaan 763a, Office G04, Edinburgh House, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3 1066 VH Amsterdam 170 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 5DP +1 416 203 0190 +31 20 225 2731 + 44 (0) 203 915 4946 www.righttoplay.ca www.righttoplay.nl www.righttoplay.org.uk Germany Norway United States Maffeistr. 3, 80333 München Parkveien 60, 0254 Oslo 26 Broadway, 3rd Floor, +49 (0)89 2170 4909-0 www.righttoplay.no New York, NY 10004 www.righttoplay.de +1 646 649 8280 Switzerland www.righttoplayusa.org Seefeldstrasse 162, CH-8008 Zurich +41 44 552 04 88 www.righttoplay.ch Right To Play | 2023 Annual Report 29  Right To Play International 43 Front Street East, Unit 200 Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3 416 203 0190 www.righttoplay.com @righttoplayintl BN / Registration Number 88880 4218 RR0001 Credit: Right To Play, Mali