Right now, 1 in 11 children globally needs lifesaving humanitarian assistance. Across the world, children are facing conflict, hunger, displacement and climate disasters, while cuts to foreign aid mean vital support is disappearing when it is needed most.
The National Education Union (NEU) has partnered with Save the Children to raise funds through the Raising Hope for Children in Crisis appeal, supporting children living through some of the world’s toughest humanitarian emergencies.
Funds raised through the appeal support Save the Children’s Emergency Fund which is helping deliver lifesaving support to children in countries including Afghanistan, Gaza and the West Bank, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey and Yemen, as well as other emergency contexts around the world.
Since launching in November 2025, NEU members have already helped raise vital funds to support children affected by conflict, hunger and displacement. But the need continues.
The war in Iran which has spread across the Middle East, is affecting more than 100 million children across 16 countries, leaving many without access to education, healthcare, food or safe shelter.
In Yemen, 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished and not in a condition to endure a further escalation in conflict.
In Lebanon, around 700,000 people, including 200,000 children, have been displaced, with many schools closed or used as emergency shelters. Save the Children local staff are supporting families with food, water and cash payments to support their immediate needs. They are also providing psychosocial support to children through trained social support staff. 90,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon have now crossed back over the border to Syria and need urgent support. The NEU has a long tradition of international solidarity, especially in supporting children caught up in conflict and disaster. By donating to the appeal, you can help provide food, healthcare, education and protection for children and families in crisis.
Rapid support when crises strike
The Emergency Fund enables Save the Children to provide support within hours of a crisis occurring, delivering lifesaving assistance immediately.
Because of the Emergency Fund, Save the Children was able to release $200 million to support children and families in the Middle East as soon as the conflict began. This meant lifesaving supplies of mattresses, blankets, clean water and hygiene kits could be distributed on day one. But more funds are needed to facilitate Save the Children’s response across the region. In 2024, the Emergency Fund reached more than 23.8 million people, including almost 12.8 million children, across 71 countries affected by disasters and conflict.