Education ‘protects children from dangerous paths’

On the occasion of International Education Day, Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of The Big Heart Foundation, said: “On International Education Day, we reaffirm that equitable access to education remains one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges facing vulnerable communities.

Education is not merely an essential service. It is a decisive factor in protecting children from dangerous paths that begin with deprivation and end in the loss of safety and the fragmentation of individuals and societies. In contexts of conflict, poverty, and displacement, the absence of school does not only mean an interruption to learning. It means the loss of the first safe space in a child’s life and the denial of the language through which they can understand the world and express themselves with dignity.”

She added: “Education plays both a protective and developmental role. Schools are environments that foster psychological and social stability, strengthen critical thinking skills, and enable children to express their needs, understand their rights, and participate positively in their communities. At The Big Heart Foundation, we approach education as a gateway to long-term change, not as a temporary response to crises.

We connect humanitarian action with future-building and place children at the heart of our programmes, because protecting children begins with safe education that preserves their dignity and gives them a genuine opportunity to choose their future with awareness and security.”

Amna Al Mazmi

Marking International Day of Education 2026, Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, stated: “Education is one of the most powerful tools to advance equity, dignity and peace, and it lies at the heart of Kalimat Foundation’s mission. Every child has the right to learn and to access knowledge in forms that reflect their abilities and needs. Yet millions of children around the world, particularly those with visual impairments and print disabilities, continue to face systemic barriers to education.

“At Kalimat Foundation, we believe inclusive education must be the global standard. On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to removing the obstacles that prevent children from reading and learning. Through our Ara initiative and our collaboration with international partners, we work to expand access to inclusive reading materials and ensure that no child is left behind.

“Equity in education begins with access to knowledge. We remain dedicated to creating inclusive learning opportunities that empower all children to learn, to imagine and to thrive, regardless of ability, circumstance or geography.”