London, July 2007

The StratREAL Foundation today announced support for three additional charity partners.

The Foundation will be dedicating funds to supporting the work of the Red Cross with war-affected children in Sierre Leone, Merlin’s health care programme in Afghanistan, and a programme to bring singing back to the heart of schools with the Royal Opera House Education department.

Our partnership with the Red Cross will support its Child Advocacy and Rehabilitation programme in Sierra Leone. Paul Marvell, Head of Major Donors and Events at the Red Cross commented: “The StratREAL Foundation will be making a significant impact on education and skills training for children who have suffered unimaginable trauma as a result of the 10-year civil war. Together we can equip these vulnerable children with skills to make a contribution to society, helping restore their dignity and providing them with hope for the future.”

The StratREAL Foundation will also support the work of Merlin, the British medical charity that provides vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disasters, conflict, disease, and health system collapse.

Andrea Miles, Donor Partnership Manager at Merlin commented: “The support of the StratREAL Foundation will allow Merlin to provide life saving health care to young children and mothers in Afghanistan, where one in four children die before their fifth birthday. The funding will provide vaccinations, medical equipment and train health workers to recognize the early warning signs of childhood disease.”  

For the Royal Opera House Education department, The Foundation will fund the launch of an innovative and long-term teacher training programme to put singing back at the heart of schools’ musical activity.

Paul Reeve, Director of Education at the Royal Opera House commented: “Singing is one of the most culturally diverse and adaptable of artistic activities, and helps young people develop language and listening abilities, as well as personal confidence and communication skills.

Research conducted by our partner Learning Through the Arts indicates that students who engage in the arts are more likely to enjoy school, and thus get more out of the experience.

Pierre Rolin, Chairman and Chief Executive of The StratREAL Foundation said “We are delighted to be supporting the work of these three very different and worthwhile charities. The three charity programmes are a perfect fit for our dedicated aim to improve the lives of children and young people in the areas of health, education and housing.”

Note to editors:

  • The StratREAL Foundation was established in 2003 to help improve the lives of young people around the world. Children are the future – the basis of healthy societies, and it is to their welfare and in particular to their education, health and housing needs that the Foundation is dedicated
  • Founded by Pierre Rolin, Chairman and Chief Executive of Strategic Real Estate Advisors, the StratREAL Foundation directs funds to specific projects within carefully selected charities that work to help young people in need.
  • The Foundation also assists philanthropists who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by managing their charitable donations to ensure that these are directed towards projects that have a clear and tangible impact.
  • Built on the belief that individuals with a common purpose can make a direct difference, the Foundation works in synergy with its chosen charities to select projects that actively help young people escape the effects of poverty and build a better future.
  • The Foundation’s partner charities are The Prince of Wales Arts & Kids Foundation, UNESCO -Education for Children in Need, VSO, Learning Through the Arts, The Prince’s Drawing School, the British Red Cross, Merlin and the Royal Opera House Education department.