In 2006, Save the Children launched its Rewrite the Future program to ensure that the millions of children unable to attend school because of war or conflict get access to quality education. Over 77 million children are growing up today without an education. 32 million children are out of school in areas affected by war and conflict. Millions more living in conflict-affected countries are receiving a substandard education.
Yet education can bring protection and stability, and the potential to start building a more peaceful and prosperous society.
In areas of war and conflict, education is often among the first casualties. Schools close, teachers flee or are recruited into the military, and school systems are no longer funded. This puts children at risk, making them easier targets for recruitment as child soldiers, or exploitation as cheap labor. It also increases their vulnerability to trafficking and abuse.
Save the Children pledges to:
- Ensure quality education for 8 million children: access to education for 3 million children and improved quality of education for these children and 5 million more.
- Work to make schools safe environments for protecting children affected by conflict.
- Influence national governments and international agencies to prioritize education at the onset of an emergency.
- Increase public and private funding for quality education for conflict- affected countries.