World Day of Social Justice is February 20, 2010

TORONTO - February 16, 2010 World Social Justice Day recognizes that social development and social justice are indispensable to achieving peace. It calls on everyone to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Education is a key part of Social Justice, freedom and development, and ACCESS believes that every child deserves the chance to have an education.

Last year, ACCESS recognized the date with "Phanuel Friday" to raise money for a Haitian student's university education. Fundraising continues today both publicly and as part of a Called to Action initiative with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board.

Observance of World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all. Education projects worldwide are a vital part of this work.

Why Social Justice? Justice addresses the underlying structures or causes of the world's problems (illiteracy, hunger, disease, war, etc) because justice, unlike simple works of charity, promotes social change in institutions or political structures.

The UN General Assembly proclaimed February 20 as World Day of Social Justice in 2007, inviting countries devote the day to promoting national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development.

ACCESS Events on Social Justice

In line with the theme of Social Justice, ACCESS is hosting a Youth Making a Difference Workshop in Brampton, Ontario on March 24, 2010 for high school students. For details on this conference please visit youthmakingadifference.ca. The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is also hosting a Hope in Our World conference with ACCESS about Social Justice in May 7, 2010. If you are in the DPCDSB, you can learn more at accesscharity.ca/calledtoaction. If you are interested in implementing Social Justice initiatives within your School Board, please contact info@accesscharity.ca.

ACCESS invites you to raise funds for education and increase awareness of social development issues and the importance of this international day on Friday, February 19 at your school or place of business.

ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, Inc. is a youth-run organization aiming to provide needy children in the developing world with school uniforms and necessary school supplies, enabling them with the opportunity to obtain an education for a successful life. ACCESS also aims to educate North American youth about related world issues, and to inspire them to make a difference globally. For more information and resources, please visit www.accesscharity.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Daniel Francavilla, President
daniel@accesscharity.ca
Kody Robinson, Public Relations Coordinator
kody@accesscharity.ca

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