Save the Children and UNICEF Receive $13.6 million from IKEA Soft Toy Campaign for Education Programs in Africa, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe | WPN World People News

IKEA customers and co-workers have partnered with the IKEA Foundation on a $13.6 million (€10.1 million) gift for UNICEF and Save the Children projects to help realize every child's right to a quality education.

The IKEA Soft Toys for Education annual campaign ran from Nov. 10, 2013 to Jan. 4, 2014. For every soft toy and children's book sold, IKEA donated one euro ($1.35 U.S.) to UNICEF and Save the Children to give children in developing countries access to a quality education. Since the campaign launch in 2003, the IKEA Foundation has donated $90.4 million (€67 million) to help improve the educational opportunities of more than 11 million children in 46 countries.

"Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for every child, especially the most vulnerable and excluded. UNICEF is grateful for its strong partnership with the IKEA Foundation, as well as IKEA's customers and employees, as we work together to help all children receive the quality education they deserve," said Anthony Lake, UNICEF Executive Director.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of our long-term strategic collaboration with the IKEA Foundation. It's also the 8th consecutive year that Save the Children is part of the IKEA Soft Toys for Education campaign. Through the IKEA Foundation's commitment to helping vulnerable children gain access to a quality education, children of minority groups and children with disabilities—as well as their families and communities—all benefit from the proceeds of the campaign for a better and brighter future,” said Elisabeth Dahlin, Secretary General of Save the Children Sweden and Chairperson Global Lead Agency for the Save the Children and IKEA Foundation collaboration.

Thanks to this year's donation, the IKEA Foundation will support 19 UNICEF and Save the Children projects in 18 countries. UNICEF's share will help fund the Schools for Africa initiative projects in eight countries (Angola, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa) and one project as part of the Schools for Asia initiative in China. Save the Children's share will support education for children of the most marginalised groups (minorities and children with disabilities) in Asia (Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam) and Europe (Lithuania, Romania and Kosovo).

The donations will help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply educational materials in the schools, help rebuild schools, provide better water and toilet facilities, and increase school attendance rates.

Save the Children Education Programs

Here is a highlight of some of the Save the Children-supported education programs that will benefit from this year's IKEA Soft Toy Education Campaign:

Bangladesh:
In Bangladesh, there are approximately 7 million children with disabilities who are extremely vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Thanks to support from the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children is able to give 4,400 boys and girls with disabilities in three districts of Bangladesh improved mental and physical wellbeing through better protection. The project works with their caregivers, communities, school authorities, and children with disabilities themselves.

Indonesia:
In Indonesia, many children with disabilities find that their basic rights are disregarded. Thanks to support from the IKEA Foundation, Save the Children will mobilize communities, government stakeholders, and others to assist these children in attaining their right to enjoy a full and decent life. Save the Children will accomplish this by increasing the capacity of families to care for their children with disabilities and improving their access to high-quality education.

Romania:
With the IKEA Foundation's support, Save the Children runs a project in Romania which aims to reduce discrimination against the two of the most vulnerable groups of children: Roma children and children with mental health problems. Multiple stakeholders are targeted, and educational and health services will be developed for the benefit of vulnerable children and their families. Some 18,000 school children will be educated in eliminating discrimination and stigma.

* One euro (approximately $1.35 U.S.) is split and donated to UNICEF and Save the Children from the sale of each soft toy and children's book.

Source: Save the Children