A new ‘Back to School’ campaign has launched, urging the public to help get children around the world back into education.
Celebrities are backing this appeal that the international children’s charity Street Child have established, to ensure that the most marginalised children around the globe can go to school.
This UK-based charity, head-quartered in London, works in more than 25 countries to ensure that children are safe, in school, and learning, and after finding that more than 60 million primary school-aged children worldwide are currently out of education, they are advocating for change.
Finding that this is often caused through a lack of resources, conflict, environmental disasters or other emergencies, the Back to School campaign asks to pledge the equivalent of £4 a month (just £1 a week) to support a child’s education for the whole year.
To really push this mission, Street Child have announced that they will commit to enrolling a child in school this term, for every regular gift that is set up before the end of September.
Their Co-Founder, Lucinda Dannatt, explains: “As a mum of four boys, back to school this year is full of milestones for our household: two ‘last first days’ – one for my eldest finishing school and one for my youngest completing primary – and two ‘first days’ of starting exam courses for the middle boys. Each is facing new challenges, has new ambitions, is excited to see friends and can’t wait to get on the rugby field! Full of possibility and opportunity.
“Tragically, right now, more than 60 million primary-aged children around the world do not have that possibility or opportunity, and many never will.
“Street Child is expert in enabling children to access education in some of the most disaster-hit and lowest-income countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. For every year a child spends in school, their life chances improve enormously and so do the lives of future generations. For just £1 a week, we can get a child into school this year and set them on the path to a better future.”
A number of celebrities have backed this campaign, including Nick Hewer, who has said: “Education is opportunity.
“Not only is it the key to unlocking a child’s full potential, but it also helps build relationships, strengthen economies, and lift entire communities out of poverty.
“The first day of school is all about the excitement of unlimited possibility and for £1 a week, Street Child can help children in the world’s lowest-income countries experience that joy. I’ve seen first-hand the impact of Street Child’s work and encourage everyone to support them this back-to-school season.”
Footballing legend, Chris Kamara is also involved and has also said: “Education gives children confidence and opens doors to new opportunities. Every child deserves the excitement of their first day back at school, putting on their uniform, stepping into the classroom, and believing in a brighter future. Street Child is making this possible for the most marginalised children around the world, and I’m proud to support this campaign.”
The Thursday Murder Club star Dame Helen Mirren has also voiced her support for the campaign, believing: “All children deserve the chance to go to school and learn. Education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting change for generations. Yet around the world, too many children – especially girls – are still denied this opportunity. Street Child is working in some of the most fragile places on earth to ensure access to education for those who need it most. By supporting their Back to School appeal, you are helping the most marginalised children gain the tools and confidence needed to shape the futures they deserve.”
TV presented Ade Adepitan said: “Education is more than lessons in a classroom – it’s freedom, it’s choice, it’s hope. Too many children are denied that chance simply because of where they are born or the challenges they face. Street Child is breaking down those barriers in the most disaster-hit and lowest-income countries, helping children go to school for the first time and imagine a future full of possibilities. By supporting their Back to School appeal, you can be part of that change and give children the start in life they deserve.”
Finally, fashion designer Foday Dumbuya (the creative mind behind the 2024/25 Arsenal away kit) has said: “Having visited Street Child’s programmes in Sierra Leone earlier this year, I witnessed first-hand the transformative power of education in communities that, being from Sierra Leone myself, hold such a special place in my heart. I met incredible people – parents, children and caregivers – that Street Child works with, who have faced hardship but are determined to build bright futures, and education is the first step. For just £4 a month, you can support a child’s education and provide them with the tools they need to change their lives. I encourage everyone who is able to support Street Child’s Back to School appeal this year so that every child can experience that magical first day feeling.”
