Sir Roger in Mexico City - Jan. 28, 2004

Sir Roger participated in a ceremony for the tenth anniversary of a program for the United Nations children's fund between British Airways and UNICEF, a program dedicated to raising money for some of the world's most needy children. © UNICEF Mexico/2004

Sir Roger Moore, joined British Airways Chairman, Lord Marshall, in Mexico City, Mexico to promote the UNICEF-British Airways "Change for Good" alliance, now in its tenth year. Lord Marshall annouced that British Airways would donate an additional $270,000 to UNICEF supported-projects to educate all children in the city. From 1997 to 2003, UNICEF Mexico has received a total of $1.55 million from the "Change for Good" programme. The centrepiece of Sir Roger’s visit was an event held at the National Art Museum where Lord Marshall presented the funds, bringing the total donations made by British Airways to UNICEF Mexico to $1.82 million. The event was followed by the opening of an art exhibit featuring artworks by children who participated in a 'Learning Through Art' project supported by the "Change for Good" alliance.

Sir Roger Moore speaks during a press conference before receiving a check for three million pesos from British Airways Wednesday Jan. 28, 2004, in Mexico City. The money will fund a program "Change for Good" which aims to raise living conditions for children in the Mexico City area. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Sir Roger Moore arrives at the Art Museum in Mexico City, January 28, 2004. He participated in a ceremony for the tenth anniversary of a program for the United Nations children's fund between British Airways and UNICEF, a program dedicated to raising money for some of the world's most needy children. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Over 14,000 children and adolescents work on the streets and public spaces of Mexico City. Some of these children live at home or maintain connections with parents and family. Others have cut ties with their families and communities, and the streets are their only home. Children here work and live on the streets as a result of extreme poverty, violence within their families and communities, and limited access to the education system. It is estimated that 64,500 children between five and 14 years of age are not enrolled in school in Mexico City.

The six non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supported by the "Change for Good" partnership have the common objective of providing support for the children who work or live on the streets of Mexico City. These NGO’s are: the Centre for Children Working at the Central de Abasto (CAMT), the Interdisciplinary Centre for Social Development (CIDES), the Give and Love Foundation (DAYA), Spaces for Integral Development (EDIAC), the Rebirth Foundation (FRAILES) and Learning Through Art.

Sir Roger visited the organizations, spending time with members and learning about the significant roles these organizations play in the lives of thousands of Mexico City’s children.

UNICEF-Mexico website