Using Education as a Protective Shield for Children in Conflict Zones.
The Harsh Reality: When Classrooms Become Battlefields
Currently, over 473 million children (1 in 6 globally) live in conflict zones. Their right to education is under severe threat:
- Increased Attacks: In 2020, UNICEF verified 535 attacks on schools, a 17% increase from 2019.
- Gaza Crisis: 95% of schools have been damaged or destroyed, leaving 658,000 children without access to education.
- Sudan's Plight: 90% of schools nationwide are closed, leaving an estimated 19 million children out of school.
The impact of conflict on education extends beyond immediate school closures, leading to long-term consequences. Children in these environments often experience significant psychological stress, exhibiting fear, anxiety, and depression. Without psychosocial support, this can severely affect their academic performance and future prospects.
Why Education is a Lifeline
For children in conflict areas, education means far more than literacy and numeracy:
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UNICEF's Response
UNICEF is working tirelessly to ensure no child misses out on education:
Creating Temporary Learning Spaces
In Gaza, UNICEF and partners have established 39 temporary learning spaces for over 12,400 young learners. In Sudan, UNICEF's 850 temporary learning spaces have helped over 2.4 million children return to school.
Providing Integrated Support Services
UNICEF supports integrated education services—including water, sanitation, nutrition, and protection—ensuring students can continue their studies.
Innovative Learning Solutions
In Sudan, UNICEF utilizes solar-powered tablets for education, which is perfect for a country with over 10 hours of daily sunshine. In Gaza, teams have even repurposed trays into school furniture and turned supply boxes into desks and chairs.
Psychosocial Support
Beyond academics, UNICEF provides recreational activities, emergency learning kits, and mental health and psychosocial support for children, youth, caregivers, and teachers.
Adapting to Extreme Environments
In frontline areas of Ukraine, UNICEF has set up 150 student learning centres, even operating schools in subway systems and bomb shelters.
Your Donation Delivers Hope and UNICEF Mini Schoolbag
Donate through this page today:
- Donate HK$300+: Receive a limited-edition UNICEF mini schoolbag.
- Symbolic Meaning: Each schoolbag represents your commitment to helping children carry knowledge instead of the burdens of war.
- Practical Design: Its compact, mini-sized design makes it perfect as a keychain or pouch, allowing you to carry your kindness everywhere .
Note: Limited quantities available. Delivery within 4-6 weeks after donation. Delivery to Hong Kong address only.*
PoweRun Exclusive Add-on Offer
Enroll in UNICEF PoweRun now to add-on the UNICEF mini schoolbag at the special charity price of HK$199!
- Enrol in UNICEF PoweRun
- Select mini schoolbag add-on:
Check the "Add mini schoolbag for HK$199" option in the enrolment form - Complete enrollment & payment:
Mini schoolbag will be distributed together with the runner’s pack.
* No tax-deductible receipt will be issued for the charity sales products.
This is more than a schoolbag—it's a promise:
A promise that children in conflict zones can have childhoods filled with textbooks, not fear.
We deeply appreciate your generosity! For donations over HK$100,000, please share your contact details or reach out to our Philanthropy Team so we can better support your giving.
Philanthropy Team Contact Person: Mr. Andy Tsang | Email: [email protected]| Tel: 2836 2964
Together, we can bring hope to the world’s most vulnerable children.