Education transforms lives! Education made my father into a diplomat, and it has given me incredible opportunities – including the ability to write this blog. We are very fortunate to live in the United States where everyone has access to free public school. Even if there are significant differences in how that education is delivered in different neighborhoods across the country, children everywhere in the United States are given some opportunities to learn basic reading and math skills. If you are lucky enough to have access to the internet, there are countless free educational resources online!
Education is a very effective way to help children develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to escape poverty. Children who begin and stay in school transform their own lives, as well as the lives of future generations! I know that my father’s decision to work hard in school so that he could become a diplomat had a huge impact on the educational opportunities I received – and, by extension, those being offered to my own children. The same holds true for children living in developing countries.
Sending all of the children in low-income countries to school would require $16 billion in aid. That is a lot of money, but it’s only about half the money spent every year on ice cream in Europe and North America.
From November 9 2014 until January 3 2015, you can help raise money for education while getting your holiday shopping done! During this time, the IKEA Foundation will donate $1.00 to Save the Children and UNICEF for each soft toy or children’s book purchased at IKEA – even if you purchase the $0.99 soft toys! This IKEA Soft Toys for Education Campaign has been running since 2003, and the funds raised have helped to increase school enrollment rates in Ethiopia, improved access to high-quality education for children with disabilities in Indonesia, facilitated a participatory sports program for all girls and boys including those with disabilities in South Africa, and much, much more.
The IKEA Foundation is the largest global corporate donor to Save the Children and UNICEF! Donations this year will help UNICEF and Save the Children train teachers in child-friendly teaching methods, improve child protection systems, supply educational materials to schools, help rebuild schools, provide better water and toilet facilities, and increase school attendance rates. You can learn more about the ways in which these donations are used by visiting the IKEA Foundation site.
So drop by IKEA to shop for toy donations, gifts to set under the tree, and stocking stuffers. This is an easy way to make a difference!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
171 million people would be lifted out of poverty if they simply had basic reading skills. MIND. BLOWN. Such a great time of year to remember that helping those less fortunate with one simple step facilitated by a big brand so many of us love already. Great stuff!
I LOVE when big brands work to make the world a better place.
Great to learn how another big brand is supporting kids in need! Love IKEA’s approach!
It’s great when big brands work to make the world a better place!
I love how Ikea is giving back!
So do I! One of my favorite stores :)
I had no idea that IKEA had this campaign in place to give back to education. And, the fact that it even applies to the $0.99 soft toys is pretty amazing.
I love that they apply this to ALL of their soft toys. Very generous of IKEA!
It’s nice to see large retailers dedicating themselves to an important cause. The statistics you’ve shared are mind-blowing. Thanks for bringing awareness to this important issue.
That owl is just so cuddly and cute! Love that IKEA is giving back to a great cause.
Thank you for IKEA and you for sharing this. Always trying to give back to the community and provide a lesson to my boys.
What a cute stuffed animal! Who wouldn’t want to buy one and support such a great cause. thanks for sharing!
We love this campaign..cannot wait to visit IKEA and pick up some stuffies for such a great cause. Thanks for sharing.
I think for the last couple of years I’ve bought an Ikea soft toy or two for Christmas. I’ll have to see if there’s any more we want this year. I love their play food.
Their play food is great – we love their little play dishes, too!
What a wonderful way to raise money to help kids all over the world!
What a fantastic campaign.