Ghanaian child rights organisation Challenging Heights has been selected as one of only 31 organisations worldwide to benefit from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a global initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education and football for vulnerable children.

The fund, jointly launched by FIFA and Global Citizen, seeks to mobilise US$100 million by the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final to support organisations driving sustainable community development in more than 200 communities across the world.

Challenging Heights said its selection marks a significant milestone in its more than two decades of work combating child trafficking, child exploitation and other forms of modern slavery while promoting the rights and education of underserved children in Ghana.

According to the organisation, the partnership will strengthen its efforts to combine education, advocacy and sport to improve the lives of children affected by trafficking and exploitation.

Through the grant, Challenging Heights will renovate and equip the classroom block at its Recovery Centre under its Inclusive Learning and Opportunity Programme, creating a safe, trauma-informed learning environment for rescued children.

The project will also improve classrooms and outdoor spaces for learning, counselling and recreation, while providing tailored literacy support, trauma-informed counselling and creative learning opportunities through art, music and sports.

The organisation said the interventions are designed to help children rebuild their confidence, strengthen their social skills and reconnect with education after experiencing abuse and exploitation.

"We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Global Citizen and FIFA for believing in our work and recognising our dedication to child advocacy and community development," the organisation said in a statement.

Challenging Heights noted that it would share updates on the implementation of the programme and the impact of the partnership in the coming months.

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund forms part of a broader effort by FIFA and Global Citizen to support organisations using education and sport as tools to transform the lives of children and strengthen communities around the world.