More than 1.8 million children across 20 countries could lose access to education as foreign aid cuts disrupt Save the Children’s school programs, the organization warns.
From Tanzania to Syria, funding reductions are forcing schools to shut down, leaving vulnerable children without learning materials, trained teachers, or safe spaces to study.
Tanzania: Refugee Students Left Behind
In northwest Tanzania, over 50,000 children—many in refugee camps—face disrupted schooling. Isack, a local headteacher, said the cuts have had “heartbreaking consequences.”
“Attendance is dropping, and grades are falling,” he said. “Children no longer get free notebooks, and girls miss school because they lack sanitary pads.”
Maria*, a Burundian refugee, dreams of becoming a doctor but struggles without supplies. “When we take tests, few of us can write because we don’t have notebooks,” she said. “It feels unfair, but what can we do?”
Bangladesh: Rohingya Children Lose Learning Centers
In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, more than 2,400 Rohingya refugee children have lost access to education after aid cuts forced learning centers to close.
Sabera*, 14, fled Myanmar in 2017. “I loved studying, but now my center is gone,” she said. “It feels like someone took my freedom. My dream was to move to the next grade—now that’s impossible.”
Crisis Zones Hit Hardest
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 21,300 children in war-torn South Kivu have lost learning materials and teacher training. In Syria’s Al Hol Camp, 640 children no longer have safe classrooms, increasing risks of child labor and violence.
Education funding has fallen dramatically around the world. Save the Children reports that the US education budget could be cut by $1 billion to just $72 billion, while UK education aid has fallen 73% since 2019.
“Education is Lifesaving”
Susan Nicolai, Save the Children’s education director, warned that cuts threaten children’s futures.
“In emergencies, school isn’t just learning—it’s safety,” she said. “Children learn to avoid bombs or diseases. Aid builds hope and peace. These cuts will hurt generations.”
World Bank data shows nearly 400 million primary-aged children cannot read or write, with half lacking preschool access. In conflict zones, where Save the Children is often the only education provider, the crisis deepens.
Call to Action
Save the Children urges world leaders to reinvest in education. “These cuts will reshape humanitarian aid forever,” the group said. “We must reform global financing to protect the most vulnerable.”
