Millions of school-age children worldwide are not in school, leaving them vulnerable to abuse, neglect or being forced into labour. We fund programmes that promote children’s rights, giving them access to education, healthcare and a sustainable family income so they can create more opportunities for themselves and their families.
UNICEF estimates that 69 million school-age children are not in school.
School offers children a safe environment with support, supervision and socialisation. Beyond regular school subjects, children also learn life skills that can help them prevent diseases and improve their health, as well as that of their family and community.
Access to quality education reduces a child’s vulnerability to abuse, exploitation and disease. Girls particularly are at greater risk of such abuse when they aren’t in school. Getting girls into schools and ensuring they stay and learn has proven to be of tremendous importance.
UNICEF calls it the “multiplier effect”. Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to survive and be better nourished and educated. Educated girls are also better able to participate in social, economic and political decision-making in their communities.
Through our annual Soft Toys for Education campaign, we also help fund UNICEF's Schools for Africa programme and Save the Children’s educational projects in Asia and Eastern Europe.