Freeplay Foundation ambassador Tom Hanks with his Lifeline wind-up and solar radio.
The Freeplay Foundation today announced that two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks has become their American ambassador. In this advocacy role, Mr. Hanks will help gain support for the Foundation in the U.S. and promote understanding of the Foundation's work. Using Lifeline radios, which do not require batteries or electricity, the Freeplay Foundation provides sustained access to information to the world's poorest populations, especially children living on their own.
"The extraordinary technology of the Freeplay Foundation's Lifeline radio can bring vital information to isolated people all over the world," said Mr. Hanks. Many "can't attend school and can't afford batteries or electricity to power a radio. The Freeplay Foundation can give access to radio programs that teach them how to grow their small garden plots to feed themselves."
Freeplay Foundation Executive Director Kristine Pearson said, "We are deeply grateful that Mr. Hanks has chosen to serve as our American ambassador. By lending his voice in support of the most vulnerable people, Mr. Hanks will help bring them critical information and education."
In developing countries, radio is the primary means of communication. The Lifeline radio plays non-stop using wind-up energy and solar power and is the first radio ever produced solely for humanitarian use. Using a structured methodology developed by the Freeplay Foundation, radios are distributed to youth, community health workers, village chiefs, listening groups, teachers, and informal classrooms. Recipients are trained in how to most effectively listen to radio programming and transfer knowledge they gain to others in their community.