While Unicef is mostly known for providing relief to children in developing countries, the organization also places a strong emphasis on education. In fact, education is one of Unicef's three main areas of focus, along with health and nutrition.
Unicef recognizes that educational opportunities are not evenly distributed around the world. In many parts of the world, girls face significant barriers to accessing quality education. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, only 61% of girls complete primary school (compared to 78% of boys). And as of 2016, over 130 million girls worldwide were not attending school at all.
Unicef works to improve access to education for all children, regardless of their gender or background. The organization provides support for early childhood development programs and helps ensure that children with disabilities can attend school. Unicef also strives to create safe and supportive learning environments, both in schools and out-of-school settings.
In addition to improving access to education, Unicef also works to improve the quality of education itself. The organization promotes child-centered teaching methods and provides training for teachers on how to best meet the needs of their students. With its focus on quality as well as access, Unicef is working towards ensuring that all children have the opportunity to receive a good education – an essential step in achieving equality and lifting people out of poverty around the world.