Your support will address the education needs of refugee children by giving them knowledge, skills, ideas, hopes and dreams.
“If had three wishes, first I would request that we all go to school. Second, that we get enough food. Third, that my brother’s eyes are fixed.”
Lina, a 13-years-old South Sudanese girl
Millions of children, who account for half of all refugees and displaced persons worldwide, spend years or even their entire childhood in displacement, in an uncertainty of their future. Some of them are separated from their family when fleeing war or conflicts. They are more vulnerable than adults to the risk of abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking or being recruited into armed groups. It is not hard to contemplate the adverse impact of these painful experiences on the development of children.
Children’s rights are enshrined in international law and are at the heart of UNHCR’s mandate. Given the high proportion of children amongst the displaced populations, UNHCR is committed to protecting displaced children, and making education available and accessible to refugee children.
UNHCR helps refugees access education by different ways.
UNHCR’s figure shows that more than half ─ 3.7 million out of the six million school-age children under our mandate have no school to go to.
Back in Hong Kong, we send our children to school or university so that they can equip themselves with the knowledge and skills they need to build their future. But why do we fail to appreciate the education needs of refugee children? Ironically some would consider these needs a luxury, a non-essential optional extra after a tent, a blanket, food and water, and medical care.
Education is one of the most important drivers for ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Hence investment in a refugee’s education means the entire community benefits. Together we can make a difference; we have already made progress in enrolling hundreds of thousands of refugees in school and in improving their access to accredited education in national systems indeed.
With Christmas and New Year around the corner, it’s the time of the year to be merry and joyous. When we are buying presents for loved ones, planning a festive dinner or trip for pleasure, it is a great time to think more about giving. Please help empower refugee children through Education!
Here are some examples of how your gift could be put in use:
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