Join us and #UniteToProtect
In a world burdened with conflict and crisis, the need to safeguard education calls for action to #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect.
As we approach the 5th International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 9 September 2024, let’s unite and lift our voices: Education is a fundamental right and a pathway to fight against poverty and achieve sustainable development and peace. #UniteToProtect is not just a hashtag, it’s a rallying cry echoing around the globe, a promise that we will stand up against attacks on education.
The human cost of war is immense, and this year we emphasize our collective responsibility to protect and rebuild education for future generations. Echoing the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza and the State of Qatar, who lead this crucial cause.
Throughout history, when we unite, we achieve great things, turning the impossible into reality. We stand at a pivotal moment, and the choice is ours to make.
It is time to unite to protect.
#UniteToProtect
Table of Contents
Call #UniteToProtect Video
#RiseUp to #UniteToProtect
Multimedia Resources & Social Media Messages
Featured Videos
- Attacks on Education: What are they and why should you care.
- The Impact of Attacks on Education
- Overcoming Attacks on Education
- Dr. Youssef Matar’s Fight to Protect Education in Gaza
Stories
- Heartbreak is Only Part of the Story || Myanmar
- Finding Hope Despite the Pain || Palestine
- Resilience in Displacement || Nigeria
- Finding Comfort and Confidence in Crisis || Ukraine
- Lucky to be Alive || Myanmar
Key Messages
Education Under Attack 2024
Join Us in Doha to #UniteToProtect
It's time to unite to protect
Post Caption: It's time to unite to protect education. For the children going to school in fear, the youth striving for a better future, the teachers and professors who inspire against all odds, and the refugees seeking safety and learning. #Riseup and #UniteToProtect.
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#RiseUp to #UniteToProtect
The need to protect education has never been more urgent. Attacks on education are increasing. We should not sit back and watch; it is imperative for all of us to rise to the challenge and #UniteToProtect. We cannot do it alone—we need your help. Join us and challenge, call on, or invite a friend to rise with you. Together, we can make a difference.
Here’s why you need to Rise Up:
- Attacks on education are on the rise - with a 20% increase in 2022 and 2023. Data Source: GCPEA 2024
- Every 3 hours, an attack on education occurs - disrupting or ending the educational journey of countless children. Data Source: GCPEA 2024
- Children, teachers, and schools should never be targets - even in times of war.
- Conflict leads to children being recruited into wars - robbing them of their childhood.
…and many more reasons to #RiseUp.
How to Participate:
Video
- Record a video sharing why you are rising up to #UniteToProtect. [You can start your video seated, and then rise up]
- "I’m rising up to #UniteToProtect because [reason]. I call on/challenge [Name] to rise up with me."
- Tag @educationaboveall_eaa on your post/story, use the hashtags #RiseUp and #UniteToProtect, and make sure to tag the person you’re challenging or inviting to rise with you.
Add Yours Templates on Instagram
Show your support on Instagram with our #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect templates! Share your reason to rise up and protect education by using the templates and encourage others to do the same.
Simply tap "Add Yours" on our story and join the movement. Let’s amplify our voices and inspire action together.
Use the link below to access the templates, and don’t forget to tag @educationaboveall_eaa, along with the hashtags #RiseUp and #UniteToProtect!
#RiseUp to #UniteToProtect
Multimedia Resources & Social Media Messages
Featured Videos
Attacks on Education: What are they and why should you care.
Post Caption: On average, eight attacks on education occur daily. These attacks devastate students, educators, and communities. Education is a human right. It's time to unite and protect it from attack. #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect
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The Impact of Attacks on Education
Post Caption: What’s your favorite memory of going to school? For many, these memories are shattered by attacks on education. Each attack destroys students' futures, teachers' purposes, and communities' hopes. Education is a human right. It's time #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect it from attack. Will you join us?
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Overcoming Attacks on Education
Post Caption: In conflict zones, students and teachers face unimaginable challenges. Yet, every rebuilt school and reopened classroom is a victory over violence and despair. We must support and protect the right to education for every child, everywhere. Let's #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect.
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Dr. Youssef Matar’s Fight to Protect Education in Gaza
Post Caption: Dr. Youssef Matar, a devoted lecturer at the Islamic University of Gaza, lost 25 loved ones, including his children, in the war. Yet, he remains determined to stand by future generations and keep education alive. We must #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect education from the horrors of war.
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Stories
Finding Hope Despite the Pain
Palestine
No child should endure the horrors of war, yet hundreds of thousands of children in Palestine face these challenges daily. Ahmed Al-Halabi, a young volunteer from Gaza City, works tirelessly to provide psychological relief to children affected by conflict, drawing on his own experiences of pain and displacement.
Ahmed's story highlights the profound impact of dedicated individuals and supportive organizations in transforming the lives of children in conflict zones.
We must #UniteToProtect children like those in Gaza, ensuring they have access to education and psychological support.
Post Caption: No child should endure the horrors of war, yet millions do. Meet Ahmed Al-Halabi, a resilient volunteer with @EAA_Foundation & Save Youth Future Society, providing psychological relief to children affected by war in #Gaza. We must #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect their well-being and education.
Heartbreak is only part of the story
Bangladesh (Refugee from Myanmar)
Amidst the conflict in Arakan, Myanmar, 12-year-old Dilnewaj fled with her family to Bangladesh, where she entered a classroom for the first time. Despite the trauma of her past, she was determined to learn, dreaming of becoming a doctor and helping those in need.
Through the partnership project between Education Above All Foundation and BRAC, Dilnewaj was one of over 32,500 Rohingya children receiving quality education, psycho-social support, and life-skills curriculum in Cox’s Bazar. Her story underscores the urgency of our #UniteToProtect campaign—every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow.
Post Caption: Forced to flee from Arakan, Myanmar due to conflict, Dilnewaj found safety and the chance to realise her right to education in Bangladesh. Like Dilnewaj, millions of refugee children and youth are displaced by conflict. We must #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect their right to education.
Finding Comfort and Confidence in Crisis
Ukraine
War forced 9-year-old Andrej from Ukraine to seek refuge in Poland. Through the Positive Education Institute's program, supported by the Education Above All Foundation, Andrej has adapted to his new environment, learned Polish, and gained confidence.
Andrej’s story shows how education and psychological support can transform the lives of children affected by conflict. We must #UniteToProtect children like Andrej, ensuring they have access to education and a safe environment to thrive.
Post Caption: War has a devastating impact on children's mental health. We must #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect their well-being. The Positive Education Institute, supported by @EAA_Foundation, provides refugee children like Andrej with the support they need to adapt, continue their education, and thrive.
Lucky to be alive
Bangladesh (Refugee from Myanmar)
Amidst the conflict in Myanmar, 12-year-old Sadia fled with her family to Bangladesh, escaping unimaginable horrors. Living in a shelter in Camp 16, she found solace in education and new friendships.
Through a partnership project between Education Above All Foundation and BRAC, Sadia was one of many Rohingya children who received quality education and support, helping them rebuild their lives and dream of a brighter future.
We must #UniteToProtect the dreams and futures of children like Sadia by ensuring their right to a safe learning environment and quality education.
Post Caption: "I feel lucky to be alive." – Sadia, a 12-year-old refugee from Myanmar. After fleeing unimaginable horrors, she found safety and education in Bangladesh. We share a collective responsibility to support and protect the education of children like Sadia. #RiseUp to #UniteToProtect
Key messages
Education is a fundamental right that must be protected from attacks.
2024 has seen a rise in deliberate attacks on students and schools globally. The world must unite to protect education and address conflict as a major barrier to learning.
We must work together to rebuild education systems in conflict-affected areas, ensuring access to quality education for all children and youth. Holding perpetrators accountable is crucial.
Global leaders need to commit to national action plans and local efforts to protect education from attack.
Youth must lead advocacy and activism to protect education. Sustainable actions today will safeguard education for future generations.
Every year on September 9, the world observes the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. This day is a critical moment to reflect on ensuring safe learning environments for all.
Education Under Attack 2024
The 2024 Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) report reveals a troubling increase in attacks on education, with nearly 6,000 incidents reported in 2022 and 2023—a 20% rise from previous years.
In 2022 and 2023, the highest numbers of attacks on education were recorded in Palestine, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Myanmar. In each country, hundreds of schools were threatened, looted, burned, targeted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), or hit by shelling or airstrikes.
Over 10,000 students and educators suffered from violence, including killings, injuries, abductions, and arrests—an increase of over 10% from 2020 and 2021.
Explosive weapons were frequently used, causing lasting dangers. The report highlights the persistent threat from both state and non-state armed groups. Examples include the shelling of El Geneina University in Sudan and the military use of schools during the conflict in Ukraine.
Amidst these challenges, there is hope. The Safe Schools Declaration, endorsed by 120 countries, continues to protect education in conflict zones. Some non-state groups are also committing to safeguarding schools, with positive steps seen in Burkina Faso, Mali and Yemen. As we mark the International Day to Protect Education from Attack this year, it is crucial to build on this momentum.
#UniteToProtect
Join Us in Doha #UniteToProtect
On the 9th of September, Doha will host the 5th observance of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Join us in our global mission to safeguard and rebuild education amidst conflict.
Here's what awaits you:
Stories of Resilience and Hope
Hear powerful stories from those who have faced unimaginable challenges yet continue to champion the cause of education.
Inspiring Musical Performance
Experience a moving musical performance that will touch your heart and inspire action.
Engaging Roundtable Discussions
Participate in impactful conversations with global leaders, youth advocates, and experts dedicated to protecting education for future generations.
The human cost of war is immense, but together, we can make a difference. It’s time to unite to protect education.
Will you join us?