It's amazing how profound something as simple as a book can be for a child surrounded by war.
Here are 5 examples of how books are changing some of these children's lives:
1. Early learning in afghanistan
Across Afghanistan there are 3.5 million children out of school; 75% of them are girls.
These shocking figures are likely to rise throughout 2018, as an already fragile education system is put under pressure by a rise in conflict-related incidents.
Our Early Childhood Development Centres provide pre-school education to children offering hope of a better future after decades of conflict.
Children in our centres learn to read books and gain vital numeracy and literacy skills, giving them the best possible start to their education.
2. Reading at home for syrian refugees
Living conditions in refugee camps can be difficult for Syrian families who have been forced to flee.
For many parents, supporting their children through education, amidst the stressors of living away from home is tough.
We train parents with the skills and knowledge to support early literacy and numeracy skills at home.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read books with their children, strengthening learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
3. Books on wheels in Iraq
In 2016, Syrian children living in a refugee camp in Jordan expressed a strong desire for access to more books.
So, we got to work, using their feedback to design a new project and the mobile library was born.
After the success of the library in Jordan, we brought the idea to Iraq.
There are now mobile libraries rolling books in camps in for displaced people in Iraq.
Children can borrow books, attend book clubs and take part in storytelling sessions where they can read and learn.
4. Education for children released from armed groups
It’s almost impossible to know the exact figure but it’s estimated there are tens of thousands of children in armed groups around the world.
We ensure children who have been released from such groups in the Central African Republic are supported back into education.
Through this process we help ensure that they have access to books and school materials.
For children formerly associated with armed groups (commonly known as child soldiers), being able to read books and learn is the start of building a brighter future.
5. Rebuilding mosul's schools
Right now, a truck filled with 3,000 Arabic reading books is en route to children in Mosul.
The military operation to recapture Mosul from ISIS has been the deadliest urban battle since World War II.
In the midst of the violence, access to quality education was limited for the city's children.
Schools and universities were damaged in the fighting, and book supplies are running low.
With our partner Book Aid International, we will be providing 3,000 books for children and young people displaced by the conflict.
This work plays a vital role in ensuring that these children's lives are not torn apart by war.
And we can only do this with the support of people like you.
