Andy Devaney
By the time most kids in Britain are arguing over packed lunches and the price of new trainers, more than 60 million children worldwide won’t even have a classroom to walk into. That’s the stark reality behind Street Child’s new Back to School campaign – a global push to get the most marginalised children into education and, with a bit of luck, a brighter future.
Street Child, the UK-based charity operating in over 25 countries, is asking the public to part with the equivalent of £4 a month – that’s £1 a week, or roughly the cost of half a pint – to fund a child’s education for an entire year. And for every new regular donation made before September’s end, the charity pledges to enrol a child in school this term.
Co-founder Lucinda Dannatt knows the importance of those first days better than most. “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 has boots on the ground in some of the toughest places on earth – from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Nigeria – delivering access to education in disaster-hit and poverty-stricken regions.
As Dannatt puts it: “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.”
And if you think this sounds like lofty charity speak, listen to the campaign’s line-up of supporters.
Nick Hewer, best known for The Apprentice boardroom glower, 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.”
Football legend Chris Kamara cut straight to the heart of it: “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.”
Fashion designer Foday Dumbuya – the man behind Arsenal’s 2024/25 away kit – added a deeply personal note: “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.”
Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan didn’t mince his words either: “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.”
The appeal is simple, the cost is modest, but the payoff? Potentially life-changing. If ever there was a moment to swap a pint, coffee, or takeaway sandwich for something that will echo across generations, this is it.
For more information on Street Child and the Back to School campaign, visit www.street-child.org/back-to-school.
