“Education is, of course, a good in itself: few will deny that it unlocks human potential, bridging the gap between what we are and what we have in ourselves to become. Many describe its value – and its impact on us – as dramatic, mind-blowing and even magical, but it is best seen as the gift that keeps on giving.” ~The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown

Access to a safe, inclusive, quality education is the fundamental human right of every girl and boy on this planet. Conflict, climate change-induced disasters, forced displacement and other emergencies and protracted crises are denying millions of children this basic human right.

This International Day of Education, as the world looks to change course and transform education, it is essential that crisis-affected children not be forgotten in our global mission to achieve universal and equitable education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4). Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and our partners are committed to reaching those left furthest behind with the hope, opportunity and protection that only education can provide.

Since its inception, ECW has reached nearly 5 million children around the world, with the launch of new programmes and additional contributions promising to shape the lives of millions more. As we come together on the International Day of Education, ECW and our partners highlight a ground-breaking contribution from Germany and look at the remarkable tales of resilience, strength and opportunity on the frontlines of the global education crisis.