Our mission

Too many children around the world wake up each day worried about what might happen on their way to school, in their classroom, or online. Violence – whether bullying, corporal punishment, harassment, exclusion or abuse – undermines children’s confidence and gets in the way of their ability to learn, connect with others and feel supported.

Our mission is to work with partners and governments to build education systems where no child is afraid to go to school, and where learning empowers every child with opportunity, dignity, and hope.

Safe to Learn sits at the intersection of two sustainable development goals (SDGS) and global commitments:

• SDG 4: Calling for inclusive and equitable quality education, and
• SDG 16.2: Aiming to end all forms of violence against children.

Safe to Learn brings these agendas together to ensure that safety and well-being are embedded at the heart of every education system.

Children tell us that when they feel safe, they can focus, make friends, dream bigger and do better in school. Research shows the same: feeling scared of experiencing violence has a huge impact on learning and attendance.

That’s why we help countries understand the challenges children face, strengthen policies and laws, support teachers in using positive approaches, improve school environments, tackle bullying and online abuse, and ensure children know where to turn when something goes wrong.

We listen to young people. We amplify their voices. And we work side by side with those who shape schools – because protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.

Safe to Learn exists to make sure that every child – no matter how or where they are learning can learn free from fear, violence, and discrimination.