The Fundamental Right to Education

ChildHope has always had a strong focus on learning and on this day and going forward, this is an opportunity to refocus and reboot our efforts to ensure that all children, and in particular marginalised children, are given access to an education that enables them to thrive.

All of our programmes have an educational component to highlight the importance of access to education as a fundamental human right. We work with schools to improve their teaching standards and ensure they provide safe learning environments, and we train parents in child rights and stress the importance of education.

Barriers Girls Face in Getting an Education

"Along with my friends I shared openly how it was very difficult for us to come to school during periods. We needed separate toilets with water facilities, and low- cost sanitary pads.” - Nutan


Though inequality is a global issue, girls and women living in extreme poverty are more disadvantaged. Girls and women are often excluded and discriminated against in education, violating their equal right to education.

The voice of all children, in particular girls’ voices need to be heard. Girls are faced with period poverty and stigmatisation, preventing them from attending and enjoying school. Creating safe spaces where teachers can support girls’ knowledge to manage their menstrual hygiene with access to sanitary products will ensure greater attendance and a readiness to learn.

Girls in School Appeal

“I wanted to continue studying but it’s very difficult. We can’t buy sanitary pads. Attending school also becomes more difficult during periods” - Ehani


ChildHope launched the Girls in School Appeal to fight the issues surrounding ‘period poverty' and its effect on girls’ education. It refers to a limited or lack of access to safe period products, adequate menstrual education, and safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. In Nepal, many girls from low-income families confront this barrier and end up dropping out of school due to the cost of safe sanitary products, cultural taboos, inaccurate information and education on menstrual health, and insufficient washing facilities and mixed toilets in schools.

Our project Clean Futures for Rural Children in Nepal focuses on education and availability of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, in order for children in rural Nepal to stay or re-enrol in school.


Education For a Sustainable, Inclusive and Peaceful Future

This year’s theme highlights that education is key to building a more sustainable and just future. The pandemic has been a powerful reminder of the vital role that education plays in a child’s life. The loss of schooling and regular contact with teachers and friends, has deprived many children of the learning and social context children need to develop.

The pandemic has highlighted the interrelated nature of the world and brought into focus what children need to develop well. These educational aims, advocated by ChildHope, are at the heart of building a safe and secure environment for children and young people, supporting them to feel connected to the world that they are living in. In addition, the central position that teachers hold in children’s lives should be celebrated through relevant training, and continued opportunities for teachers to champion the educational needs of children with disabilities.