At present, more than 75 million displaced children and youth have had their education disrupted by emergencies and prolonged crises. Losing access to education leaves these young people more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including gender-based violence, recruitment into armed groups, child labour, and forced marriage. Schools provide the stability that they need to heal from the loss, fear, stress, and violence experienced during times of crisis, according to the organizations. The goal of the "Education opens the world" campaign is advocate access to education for refugees; its aim is to raise 35 million dollars by 2020.  

"If given the resources, refugee children excel. Probably because of what they have gone through, they see education as a way out," says Mirreille Twayigira, who survived the genocide in Rwanda and the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo before finding safety in Dzaleka refugee camp, Malawi. She had lost her entire family, and was severely malnourished, when she arrived at Dzaleka. However, Mirreille was able to enrol in a school founded by JRS, and flourished: she completed secondary school as one of the top six best students in the country, and gained a scholarship to pursue her education in China. She learnt Mandarin, and eventually graduated from medical school in China last summer. Mirreille is now back in Malawi assisting fellow refugees. 

Mirreille's story is exceptional, but unfortunately she is also an exception. The barriers refugees and other displaced people face in trying to access education range from state policies and social practices to xenophobia in host communities. Globally, less than 50 percent of all refugees have access to primary education. That number drops to 25 percent for secondary education, and to only 1 percent for higher education. Food and shelter are not enough. 

Education for refugees needed 

JRS and Entreculturas seek to reshape this global reality. It is necessary to guarantee free education of high quality to all children and young people who have been forced to leave their homes by conflict, persecution and other catastrophes like environmental disasters, the arms trade, or developmental inequality. 

According to bothe JRS and Entreculturas, access to a quality education can empower refugees to fulfil their own potential and, in turn, contribute to the growth, strength, and stability of their communities. Education is a driving force for social change and inclusion. It can help overcome the walls of prejudice, hatred, and ideology that divide the world, and foster the development of more cohesive societies. "Food, shelter, and medicines are very important, but they are not enough. Refugees also need education, because they are tomorrow's leaders,", say Mirreille. This campaign falls within the broader Global Education Initiative.