According to a report by Unicef, there are currently 25 million children, aged between 6 and 15, out of school in conflict zones. South Sudan, Chad and Afghanistan have the lowest rate of school attendance in conflict zones at the primary school level, with about 50 percent of children being out of school.

Attending school regularly is one of the only “normal” things children in areas affected by war can do. The dangers of a generation brought up without schooling are insurmountabşe.

Education is the best tool in the fight against poverty and conflict. Muzoon Almellehan, often called the 'the Malala of Syria', fled from Syria with her family and was told to take only the most necessary belongings with her across the border. What did she take? All her schoolbooks.

Today, the 19-year-old refugee and education activist strongly advocates for knowledge as the key source of power for children affected by conflict. “Education gave me the strength to carry on. I wouldn’t be here without it.” 

Refugee children share the belief that schooling is extremely important.

 Annete, a 10-year-old Syrian refugee in Uganda, thinks that "Education will lead me to my dreams for the future.”

Humanitarian aid for education is vital to increase schooling in conflict and war zones. There has been a decline in aid for education in recent years, whereas the number of refugees and children forced out of school is increasing.

If you want to get involved in helping this war-torn generation, support one of the organizations below:

Save the Children: This charity works to improve the living conditions of children and young people in difficult circumstances, promotes children’s rights, and provides relief.

War Child:  War Child focuses primarily on psychosocial support, education and protection. They make an impact through recreational activities, creative life skills courses, non-formal schooling support and they advocate for the development and implementation of better legislation and policies.