International (MNN) — Today is World Children’s Day! This year marks the 36th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, when governments worldwide agreed on 54 rights every child under 18 needs for a fulfilling life. At the heart of many of these rights is access to education.
God desires His children to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Yet many children around the world still lack access to education. And even when schooling is available, the “ABCs” need to be taught in playful, personal ways that fit each child’s context.
During this day, people are encouraged to take part in “a Minute of Loudness” to highlight what matters most to kids. For TeachBeyond, that focus is education.
Children play (Photo courtesy of Burcu via Unsplash)
David Durance explains, “If we have God’s ear for His world, we’re going to hear the cry of those that are being ignored by the rest of society.”
Children who are often ignored are those born into war, poverty, crisis, or asylum. Many of them cannot keep up with regular school. Stress and the constant struggle for family survival leave them unable to focus. Survival — and sometimes the need to find work — becomes their priority instead of personal growth.
Durance adds, “There are tens and even hundreds of millions of children that live in very hard situations.”
Without education, many remain trapped in generational poverty. The Great Commission calls believers to step in and help break this cycle with Christ’s healing and hope.
“We have to intervene and be a part of that solution in those kinds of communities,” encourages Durance.
Malnourished children in Idlib, Syria.
(Photo courtesy of Ahmed Akacha/Pexels)
One solution is trauma-informed education. Durance explains, “We really want to address the issues they faced in childhood and be part of the solution that brings long-term healing for these kids.”
Another key aspect highlighted by World Children’s Day is every child’s right to play. Durance recalls seeing how play strengthens the learning process:
“Play, interestingly enough, helps us not only enjoy the moment but also process the things that have been difficult. It’s amazing how God uses play to do that.”
TeachBeyond uses strategies like Open Schools Worldwide and Beyond Borders. These programs are designed for children who have no access to schooling.
Pray that transformative education will accomplish God’s will around the world. See how God is changing lives through transformative learning at TeachBeyond.
“We are providing education that introduces, ultimately, the hope of the Gospel,” says Durance.
Header photo: Children playing in the old tank, Kabul (photo courtesy of M.A Sarwari via Unplash).
