Disclaimer: The graphic presentation of boundaries used by EAA/EAC in any map is consistent with those produced by the UN Cartographic Section.
EDUCATE A CHILD, a global programme of the Education Above All Foundation, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, which aims to significantly reduce the numbers of children worldwide who are missing out on their right to education.
An estimated 59* million primary school-aged children in the world have no access to education, the vast majority of them live in extreme poverty. They include children affected by challenging geography, conflict and natural disasters, but also those in urban slums or remote rural areas.
"Education is a fundamental human right, a key to resilience, peace and prosperity. We cannot build the future we want when 57 million children are out of school. The international community made a commitment at the turn of this century to achieve universal primary education by 2015. For this to happen, we must work more collaboratively, intensively and innovatively. We must put Education First, the aim of the United Nations Secretary-General’s new initiative launched in September 2012. “Educate a Child” is a direct contribution to this goal. It goes to where the needs are greatest and operates in a spirit of partnership and national ownership. Together, working with governments, communities and UN partners, in countries and regions where educational deprivation runs high, where conflict has torn the social fabric, we will build the capacity of authorities and train teachers to set up and run accelerated learning programs. UNESCO full-heartedly commends Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, our Organization’s Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, for launching this targeted and strategic program. When you educate a child, you sow the seeds of a more peaceful future. This is at the heart of UNESCO’s mission and our conviction as the lead UN agency for Education for All."
"The data around education is not always measurable, but there’s still overwhelming evidence that investment in schooling and learning has one of the highest rates of return. We know, for example, that each year of school means a 10% growth in income, and that a child’s chances of leading a healthy and productive life are higher if the mother is educated. Education also gives hope, which is the hardest to measure, but shows one of the greatest returns of all."
"Education is vital to break the cycle of poverty. It should be a priority regardless of where a child lives. This inspiring new venture offers hope and opens up opportunities to children who are facing desperate situations."
"I would like to thank her Highness for her initiative of educating each child. My vision is that all the Chadian children have access to quality education; no more out-of- school children. I would like our education system to deliver quality services that meets the needs of the learners in terms of giving them insights and skills such as information technology. I would also like all adults to be literate and numerate. Again, thank you very much for this opportunity to increase access to education for more Chadian children."
"I fully endorse the new partnership between UNRWA and Educate a Child with a strong emphasis on the urgent needs of Palestinian children in Gaza and elsewhere."
"My dream is that every refugee child has access to quality education so they have a chance to build a positive future for themselves and their communities. Her Highness Sheikha Moza's Educate a Child initiative helps bring that dream closer to reality by providing quality education to tens of thousands of refugee children around the world."
"Educate A Child is an innovative new venture dedicated to a timeless truth: that no child should go without an education."
"With literacy comes confidence, the chance to earn more money, to become self-sufficient and to speak out. The next generation of girls deserve all of this. I am delighted to endorse Educate A Child and the work to ensure all children reap the benefits of education."
"As a passionate Campaigner for girls education I strongly endorse and support the aims of the Educate A Child initiative. Anything that can be done to get more kids into education is a fantastic idea."
"The conflicts in my home region of West Africa have meant that many children are just not being educated at the moment. I welcome this new initiative to support their learning and education."
"When children have lost everything else- their home, their belongings, sometimes even their family - we must make sure that they don’t lose their chance of a brighter future. Educate A Child is a groundbreaking new initiative which aims to do just that."
"It is our privilege to be a part of the Educate a Child (EAC) movement and contribute with our knowledge and expertise to realize its objectives. This project not only has synergies with our vision but at a strategic level, we also see congruence between our Satya Bharti School program and what, Her Highness wishes to catalyze globally. We are very happy that Bharti Foundation and our Satya Bharti School program will contribute to this inspiring initiative."
"Her Highness Sheikha Moza is an outstanding global leader in development. She has a passionate interest in children and in meeting their educational needs, especially in conflict areas, and deserves the gratitude and support of the entire world community for her path-breaking work for compassion and justice."
"I was told that a young South Sudanese girl is three times more likely to die in childbirth than make it to the eighth grade. That is why I am thrilled to collaborate with UNHCR on the Educate A Child initiative -- education is the key to South Sudan’s future. To reach the millions of children without access to primary education, the international community must step up and contribute to partnerships like that of Educate A Child and UNHCR. In some of the camps on the border of South Sudan 60-70% of the refugees are under the age of 18. These children must have access to education to enable a productive future. Education has a multiplying effect, when you educate a girl, you educate a family and you educate a community. My father instilled in me a fierce commitment to education. My vision for the future of South Sudan = infrastructure and education."
"Education - especially for young girls is an essential part of rebuilding a country. I have seen the impact on a society when young women have been given the opportunities they deserve and how everyone benefits. This Educate A Child Campaign, I believe, will create real opportunities for children for a safer and more secure future."
"The Global Partnership for Education is delighted to be working with Her Highness Sheikha Moza and her important Educate a Child initiative. Educate a Child will make a valuable contribution to our shared goal of seeing more children in school for a good quality education. Sudan, South Sudan and Chad require significant additional education support and we are delighted that Educate a Child has included them in their first round of funding."
"Educate the children... unleash their potential; give us big hopes for their promising future, seeking knowledge for a better life. Give us big hopes for their tender hands so we can change the face of the earth devastated by wars, illiteracy and hard minds. Open the doors for our aspired peace that will come with them… a peace thirsty for our merciful God to bless humanity with justice, goodness and grace. Let us join hands with the beloved and big hearted Qatar, and help this noble cause, emanating from its great vision. Let us together open every door for the world’s children spring, a world full of hope, aspirations, dreams and prosperity. Aren’t we tired yet, aren’t we weary of the cold on the unsheltered, the cold and long winter nights? Let us educate our children. Let us give them hope for better dewy mornings, without them the sun will never shine again."