World Children’s Day 2021

ECW Support Unlocks Opportunities and Access to Holistic Education for Children and Adolescents Impacted by Emergencies and Protracted Crises

By Education Cannot Wait

November 20^th, 2021

It is every child’s human right to have access to a safe, inclusive, holistic education. For millions of girls and boys around the world, this fundamental right is violated by armed conflicts, forced displacement, climate change-induced disasters and protracted crises. This World Children’s Day, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) reaffirms its mission to ensure that education is accessible to all children, no matter where they are, who they are or their circumstances.

World Children’s Day – held annually on November 20, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention of the Rights of the Child – aims to promote international unity, build awareness among children worldwide and children's welfare. ECW and partners around the world are actively working to ensure that children and adolescents in emergencies and protracted crises are not left behind and can continue to learn. Since 2016, ECW support has reached over 4.6 million girls and boys and continues to reach children left furthest behind thanks to continued generous support from donors.

To celebrate World Children’s Day, read powerful statements from children around the world about how ECW-funded programmes have shaped their lives and provided them access to a better, brighter future.

An avid learner, Sadia (10) never missed her classes until her learning centre closed due to COVID-19. She practices writing at home until her centre re-opens. © UNICEF Bangladesh/Himu

Bangladesh

“I am really happy that I can continue my education here. I also encourage all my friends in my neighbourhood to attend learning centres. It will help us in the future.”~ Sadia, 10

Chad

“Here in Dar es Salam [camp], we have food to eat, we go to school, we play with friends, we feel safe. When I get older, I would like to become a doctor to look after sick people.” ~ Aisha

Asma (right) attending her class at Tuliguled Primary School. © ECW/Emnet Dereje

Ethiopia

“I like all the subjects we learn at school. But my favorites are chemistry and biology classes. After I finish my chores at home, I enjoy reading those subjects,”- Asma, 15

Yelianny poses happily with her new backpack from the storytelling contest, hosted by RET Americas and funded by ECW. © RET Americas

Peru

"School was one of the things that made me most happy...the students, teachers and I got close and I made many friends…" ~ Yelianny, 13

Sabah and classmates practice reading during class. © UNICEF Somalia

Somaliland

“I’m very glad to be among the top three students in the village school. I am hoping to be a doctor and cure sick people in the village when I grow up,” ~ Sabah, 10

Syria

“I love school more than my home. Here, I play with my friends. I study and learn Arabic, English and math. I have a dream of becoming a doctor so that I can treat children.” ~ Hala,7

“I always wanted to be like all other children; to grab my bag and head to school; to read, write and learn. I wish for all children to be able to go to school. And I certainly hope that nobody gets displaced anymore and that we all remain safe.” ~ Kawthar, 13

Rosemary and her friend posing outside of the Itula Secondary School. © Jesuit Refugee Services

Uganda

“Education will provide me with a brighter future.” ~ Rosemary, young refugee at Itula Secondary School

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