Tui signs support for unicef emergency relief

World biggest tour operator helps access to education and support for vulnerable children and their families in holiday destinations

The TUI Care Foundation has signed a four year agreement to support the UNICEF emergency relief fund to offer help for children and young people in need when a disaster strikes – especially in holiday destinations.

UNICEF’s belief that "all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential to benefit a better world" goes hand in hand with TUI Care Foundation’s ambition to enable children and young people to reach their full potential.

Suzanne Laszlo, Director of UNICEF Netherlands, says: "UNICEF cannot fulfil its mission to make this world a better place for children without the support of partners. We are very glad and grateful that the TUI Care Foundation is supporting this important task. Every child has the right to grow up and develop healthily and in a safe environment. Our joint efforts will help protect the most vulnerable children".

Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TUI Care Foundation, explains: "When a disaster strikes children are always the most vulnerable group – they face the highest risk of violence, exploitation, disease and neglect. In the worst situations, entire generations of children are at risk of being deprived of their basic needs in health and education, with devastating consequences for their – and the countries – futures. We are proud to support UNICEF and especially its global emergency relief programme to help to build a better future for youth worldwide."

Education and emergency relief are strongly related. UNICEF figures reveal that nearly a quarter of the world’s children live in conflict or disaster-stricken countries. For those children, education can be a game changer or even lifesaving. Schools provide children with a stable and protective environment. In the long term education is key to economic growth, reduction of poverty and inequality. Moreover, it is a key contributor to peace and stability.

Despite its enormous benefits, education is often the first service suspended and the last service restored in crisis-affected communities. It also accounts for less than two percent of total humanitarian aid. Providing textbooks and classroom kits, or setting up child-friendly spaces to learn in disaster zones can thus make a big difference for the communities affected when a disaster strikes.

In addition, the TUI Care Foundation also committed to support programmes in the UNICEF portfolio to provide education for disadvantaged children. The aim is to empower them to cope with challenges ahead and become the best possible next generation, strengthening their families and their society. Through these programmes governments, communities and parents are helped to ensure every child gets compulsory, free, quality education.

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