Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
January 14, 2004
Free the Children founder to speak at U of G
The young man who founded Free the Children, a worldwide advocacy organization, will speak in War Memorial Hall Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the University of Guelph’s citizenship awareness month. Admission is by donation.
Craig Kielburger started Free the Children when he was 12, after reading a newspaper article about a young boy from Pakistan who had been sold into bondage as a carpet weaver, escaped and was later murdered for speaking out against child labour. Free the Children has grown into an influential international children's organization. The group supports water projects, health clinics, alternative income co-operatives and schools in 21 developing nations.
Now 20, Kielburger has travelled to more than 40 countries visiting “working” children and speaking in defence of children's rights. He also frequently addresses government bodies, unions, business groups, educators and students, and has met with political and religious leaders, including Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and Queen Elizabeth II.
Kielburger was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002/2003 and received many prestigious awards, including the State of the World Forum Award and the Roosevelt Freedom From Fear Medal. His work has been featured on television programs, including 60 Minutes and Oprah and in major publications such as The New York Times and People and Time magazines. He is also the author of the book Free the Children and co-author of Take Action—A Guide to Active Citizenship for Youth.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
