The TUI Care Foundation, run by the parent company of the UK’s largest ski holiday operator Crystal, 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,” said a TUI Care spokesperson.
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.
“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,” said Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TUI Care Foundation.
