The number of displaced persons worldwide has reached its highest count since the end of World War II, with an estimated 75 million children and adolescents having had their education disrupted or ended due to natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies.
For a child or young person caught up in crisis, education can be a lifesaver – providing a safe space, normalcy, and hope for the future. But education is one of the first things to stop at the onset of an emergency, as it has traditionally remained low on the priority list with many children losing out on years of schooling before its restored. These children remain vulnerable to trafficking, child labor, early forced marriage, or recruitment into armed groups. In the absence of action, they will become part of a growing “lost generation” of children and adolescents with untapped potential.
Goals of the Initiative
Provide young people with a pathway to rebuild their communities and societies, and become active participants in social and economic development by bringing the know-how and resources from the business community to support partners on the frontlines working to restore education