Launch of Dance for Life:a UNESCO-REPETTO Foundation partnership

UNESCO and the REPETTO Foundation have signed a partnership to support educational projects that involve dance as a means to integrate marginalized children.

The partnership, entitled Dance for Life, will be presented during a press conference on 9 October at UNESCO Headquarters (Room IX). Jean-Marc Gaucher, President of the REPETTO, company and foundation, and Pierre Sané, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Human and Social Sciences (or his representative) will attend the conference.

Currently the project involves three schools: the School of Dance and Social Integration for Children and Adolescents (EDISCA) in Brazil, the Dance for All company in South Africa and the Popular Art Workshops in Cuba.

The REPETTO Foundation was created in September 2007 by the dance accessories company of the same name. Since 1992, UNESCO’s Programme for the Education of Children in Need has been supporting projects that help children suffering from poverty, sickness or war. Thanks to the funds gathered from institutions and individuals, this programme has helped some 320 projects in 87 countries to date. The projects include a long term home for street children in Mexico, a basic education programme for children working in rug factories in India and initiatives for the reintegration of former child soldiers in Liberia.

The Press Conference will take place on 9 October at 9.30 a.m. at UNESCO Headquarters 7, place de Fontenoy, 75007 Paris.

Journalists wishing to attend should request accreditation.

• Author(s):Media Advisory N°2007-63
• Source:UNESCOPRESS
• 03-10-2007