Field report: Keeping Children in School in Crisis  Zones

Goal:

To launch a fund at the World Humanitarian Summit, in partnership with A World at School, that would provide education for children living in conflict and disaster zones in order to reduce their risk to child slavery.

Summary:

Children living in conflict and disaster zones are extremely vulnerable to forced labor, trafficking, under-aged marriage, and recruitment into the armed forces. Our advocates were asked to sign a petition that would be presented to world leaders at an event in New York during the UN General Assembly.

Outcome:

A joint petition with 10 million signatures was presented during the UN General Assembly, in front of an audience of 1,000 children, officials, and celebrities.  In May 2016, following this campaign when 136,663 advocates took action, the Education Cannot Wait Fund was established to provide education for children living in conflict and disaster zones. A total of $90 million has been contributed to that Fund.

Note:

Education is a critical element in reducing the risk of child slavery and exploitation. UNICEF[Field] revealed that 24 million children who live in conflict and disaster zones around the world are out of school.


Our partner in this campaign:

A World at School

A World At School is a global campaign set up by TheirWorld, that works make sure all children receive a quality education which is safe and free from discrimination. Launched in 2013, it is a movement of hundreds of thousands of people – youth, teachers, faith leaders, businesses, as well as international and non-governmental organizations from 85 countries around the world.