If you grew up in a conflict zone, what would you need most?

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Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General to the United Nations, is widely respected for his leadership surrounding universal access to quality education. However, to really understand his motivation and personal concern for education you have to rewind quite a bit.

It’s 1956 in war-torn and poverty stricken South Korea.  With schools destroyed an eleven year old Ban Ki-moon sits on the ground beneath a tree reading a natural science textbook that was printed and distributed to school children along with school supplies by UNESCO, UNICEF, and other international partners. This aid played an integral part in putting post-war South Korea back on its feet, providing a foundation for national recovery, and giving him the tools to succeed.

Ban Ki-moon went on to study at the University of Seoul, excelled in foreign affairs, and eventually became the Secretary-General he is today. Casual, right? Now, as Secretary-General, he acts as CEO and spokesperson of the UN and represents the interests of all the world’s people. Knowing how influential this role is, it makes me happy to know that Ban Ki-moon is advocating for something he really understands.

Ban Ki-moon recognizes the power of education and that basic school supplies and the opportunity to learn transforms lives. Particularly in conflict zones, it gives children the confidence to face the future and the challenges they will confront. 

“I have seen, in my life, the difference an education can make…We have the knowledge, the technology and the partnership platforms we need to make progress. Let us now heighten our commitment and do what we know we must for the world’s children.”

Today, 58 million children are still not in school. As global citizens, we can change this. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has launched their replenishment and if fully funded can ensure that 29 million kids receive a quality education. Sign the petition to get involved now.

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Allie Smith