Lenovo Foundation, David Beckham, and Street Child United Empower Young Leaders at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final
In a celebration of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity, the Lenovo Foundation and Street Child United (SCU) honored two inspiring young changemakers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final.
Samantha Richards and Deyna Mamani Meji were presented with tickets to football’s biggest match during a special ceremony in New York, recognizing not only their personal achievements but also their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people in their communities. The event highlighted the shared mission of Lenovo Foundation and Street Child United: empowering street-connected youth through education, technology, and the universal language of sport.
Joining the celebration were global football icon Sir David Beckham, Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, Lenovo Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Gina Qiao, Street Child United Founder and President John Wroe, and SCU Head of Sponsorship Devin Moss. Together, they celebrated two remarkable young leaders whose journeys demonstrate how access to opportunity can inspire lasting social change.
More Than a Ticket to the World Cup
For Samantha Richards and Deyna Mamani Meji, attending the FIFA World Cup Final is about far more than witnessing one of the world’s greatest sporting events. It is recognition of years of determination, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of street-connected children and young people.
Both recipients are graduates of Street Child United’s Young Leaders Program, an initiative designed to support former participants as they continue developing as advocates, mentors, and community leaders. Through the program, young people who have experienced life on the streets receive opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills, influence policy discussions, and represent their communities on national and international platforms.
Their selection reflects not only personal resilience but also their dedication to creating opportunities for others facing similar challenges.
As youth ambassadors, Samantha and Deyna have consistently demonstrated that meaningful change begins when young people are empowered to share their voices, shape conversations, and advocate for the rights of their peers.
Their journey to the FIFA World Cup Final serves as a powerful reminder that leadership can emerge from any background when young people receive the support and encouragement they deserve.
A Partnership Focused on Opportunity
The recognition ceremony also highlighted the growing partnership between Lenovo Foundation and Street Child United, an organization that uses the power of sport to champion the rights of street-connected children worldwide.
Street Child United believes that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and included in decisions that affect their future. Through international sporting events, leadership programs, and advocacy initiatives, the organization provides platforms where marginalized youth can develop confidence, build skills, and influence meaningful social change.
Lenovo Foundation has become an important partner in advancing this mission.
By combining technology, education, and digital inclusion with Street Child United’s youth development programs, the partnership creates new opportunities for young people to access learning, communicate their experiences, and prepare for future careers.
Rather than viewing technology simply as equipment, both organizations see it as a powerful tool for empowerment, connection, and self-expression.
Technology That Opens Doors
As part of its ongoing support, Lenovo Foundation is helping Street Child United expand access to technology and digital education for young leaders around the world.
The partnership includes donations of Motorola smartphones that allow participants to stay connected with mentors, teammates, and support networks while documenting and sharing their stories with global audiences.
Lenovo PCs have also been provided to Street Child United’s Young Leaders and staff, creating greater access to educational resources, communication tools, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Beyond hardware, the Foundation is investing in digital skills that prepare young people for tomorrow’s workforce.
A $25,000 funding commitment supports AI digital literacy training, helping participants build practical knowledge of emerging technologies while developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will remain valuable throughout their careers.
Together, these initiatives reflect Lenovo Foundation’s broader commitment to ensuring that underserved communities have the resources needed to participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
Recognizing Extraordinary Potential
Speaking at the event, Calvin J. Crosslin, Vice President, Chief Inclusion Officer, and President of Lenovo Foundation, emphasized the transformative role that technology and education play in unlocking human potential.
“At Lenovo Foundation, we believe that access to technology and education can unlock opportunity and transform lives,” Crosslin said.
He noted that Samantha Richards and Deyna Mamani Meji represent the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when young people receive the right combination of support, encouragement, and opportunity.
According to Crosslin, the Foundation’s partnership with Street Child United extends beyond providing devices. It is about equipping young leaders with the knowledge, confidence, and digital skills needed to tell their own stories, strengthen their communities, and shape brighter futures.
Recognizing these achievements on one of the world’s largest sporting stages reinforces the message that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Power of Meaningful Partnerships
For Street Child United, collaborations like this demonstrate how organizations from different sectors can work together to create lasting impact.
John Wroe, Founder and CEO of Street Child United, welcomed Lenovo Foundation’s continued support and praised the opportunity being given to the two young leaders.
“We are delighted that Lenovo Foundation is providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our Young Leaders,” Wroe said. “Partnerships like this are vital in helping us create opportunities for street-connected young people.”
His remarks underscore the importance of long-term collaboration between nonprofit organizations, businesses, and global institutions in addressing complex social challenges.
By combining expertise, resources, and shared purpose, these partnerships can create opportunities that extend far beyond a single event.
Sport as a Catalyst for Change
Football has long demonstrated its unique ability to unite people across cultures, languages, and backgrounds.
For Street Child United, sport is much more than competition. It serves as a platform for inclusion, confidence-building, leadership development, and advocacy.
International events like the Street Child World Cup provide young people with opportunities not only to compete but also to participate in policy discussions, leadership workshops, and educational programs that amplify their voices.
The FIFA World Cup Final represents another powerful stage where young leaders can experience the global impact of sport while celebrating the progress they have already made in their own communities.
By connecting the excitement of football with education and technology, Lenovo Foundation and Street Child United demonstrate how sport can inspire positive social change far beyond the playing field.
Looking Toward the Future
The celebration of Samantha Richards and Deyna Mamani Meji builds upon Lenovo Foundation’s broader commitment to expanding access to technology and education for underserved communities around the world.
As digital technologies continue reshaping education, employment, and communication, initiatives that provide equitable access to digital tools and learning opportunities become increasingly important.
Through investments in devices, AI literacy training, leadership development, and community partnerships, Lenovo Foundation is helping prepare young people to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Together with Street Child United, the organization is empowering a new generation of leaders who are not only overcoming adversity but also creating opportunities for others.
By combining the global reach of sport with the transformative power of technology and education, Lenovo Foundation and Street Child United are helping ensure that street-connected young people are seen, heard, and equipped to become advocates, innovators, and changemakers.
For Samantha Richards and Deyna Mamani Meji, the journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final is a celebration of how far they have come—and a powerful symbol of the limitless possibilities that emerge when young people are given the opportunity to lead.
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