Colouring the future

Wars, violence, extreme weather events and poverty make the future uncertain for many children around the world, who are forced to leave their homes to adapt to a new environment. Nearly half of the 14.8 million refugee school-age children in the world are excluded from the education system, according to the latest report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (unhcr). There are 7.2 million refugee children who do not have access to school. These alarming numbers recently came to Pope Francis’ attention: “All children and youth have the right to go to school, regardless of their immigration status”, he said in the video for the January 2025 Prayer Intention. Schools, especially during wars and humanitarian crises, are a safeguard for refugee children. By attending school, children are protected from the risk of forced ...