Half of Refugee Children Still Out of School, Canadians Call for Action

Canadian Survey Highlights Public Support

As Canadian students return to classrooms, nearly half of the world’s 13 million refugee children remain out of school. A recent survey by Plan International Canada revealed that 77% of Canadians believe the country should contribute to global education programs for refugee and displaced children.

International Literacy Day Appeal

On International Literacy Day, September 8, Plan International Canada urged the public to learn more about Canada’s role in advancing refugee education. The organization emphasized the urgent need to support girls, who face greater risks of dropping out during crises.

The READ Project: Education for Refugee Children

One major initiative is Plan Canada’s Refugee Education and Development (READ) project, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Focused on the Lake Chad Basin, the project provides inclusive education for displaced children in areas affected by violence, drought, and hunger.

The READ project aims to:

• Support the education of 40,000 children.

• Strengthen 200 partner organizations.

• Rebuild classrooms and train teachers.

• Empower refugee-led groups to create safe learning spaces.

The Importance of Girls’ Education

Dr. Tanjina Mirza, Chief Programs Officer at Plan International Canada, highlighted that half of all displaced children, especially girls, lack access to education. She stressed that girls’ education is linked to economic growth and social stability, particularly in conflict zones.

Canadians Encouraged to Take Part

Plan International Canada is urging Canadians to explore more about the READ project and ways to support educational opportunities at PlanCanada.ca.

About the Survey

The findings are based on an online survey of 1,500 Canadian adults conducted via the Angus Reid Forum between July 23–25, 2025. The results have a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada, part of a global movement promoting children’s rights and gender equality, has worked for over 85 years to support children, especially girls, facing inequality and oppression worldwide.

For any further queries feel free to contact us.

FAQs

Q1: How many refugee children worldwide are out of school?
Nearly half of the 13 million refugee children globally remain out of classrooms.

Q2: What percentage of Canadians support funding refugee education?
About 77% of Canadians believe the country should contribute to global education programs.

Q3: What is the READ project?
The Refugee Education and Development (READ) project is a Plan International Canada initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada, to provide inclusive education for displaced children in the Lake Chad Basin.

Q4: How many children will benefit from the READ project?
The project aims to directly support the education of 40,000 children.

Q5: Why is girls’ education emphasized in this initiative?
Girls are more likely to drop out during crises, and educating them significantly contributes to economic growth and community stability.