World Day of Social Justice and "Phanuel Friday"

TORONTO - February 16, 2009 - Celebrating World Day of Social Justice this Friday has been made easier for everyone including educators, media outlets, and community organizations. Phanuel Friday is an initiative being launched by ACCESS: Allowing Children a Chance at Education, a youth-run non-profit organization benefitting the developing world and empowering students locally.

Phanuel is a young man living in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where only about half of the population is literate and primary school net enrollment is also only estimated at 50%. Being accepted to university is a dream for Phanuel and his entire community! ACCESS is calling individuals, through communities such as schools, to make a small step in recognizing that all youth, regardless of their status, should be given a chance to achieve a the highest level of education!

The event called "Phanuel Friday" focuses on a simple $2 donation from each and every willing and able student in one such school, community, or group, to fund Phanuel's full university education costs, providing an individual with access to a valuable education which he would otherwise not be able to afford.

Annually on February 20, World Day of Justice was created by the United Nations to encourage people to look at how social justice affects poverty eradication. It also focuses on the goal of achieving full employment and support for social integration.

The campaign continues beyond Friday's World Day of Social Justice. Schools, parishes, and community organizations are asked to host a "Phanuel Friday" during the month of February and March this year.

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 or media inquiries, visit www.accesscharity.ca for resources including downloadable documents, project details, and photos and video.