EasyJet, a leading European budget airline, and UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organization, have joined forces once again. This renewed partnership focuses on a critical mission: ensuring all children have access to quality education by 2030. The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign takes flight, aiming to raise vital funds and empower millions of children around the globe.
A Cause Worth Celebrating: The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ Campaign
The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign takes center stage as easyJet and UNICEF embark on a new chapter in their decade-long partnership. This initiative raises crucial funds to support UNICEF’s education programs, specifically targeting primary and lower secondary education. The campaign aims to contribute to UNICEF’s ambitious goals:
- Providing access to learning opportunities for 114 million children worldwide.
- Equipping 148.6 million children with the tools needed for digital education.
The campaign coincides perfectly with the busy Easter holiday period. During this time, easyJet expects to fly over five million passengers across its network. These passengers will have the opportunity to donate directly onboard their flights, contributing to the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign and supporting UNICEF’s vital work in education.
The Alarming Reality: A Global Learning Crisis
The need for quality education has never been greater. Statistics paint a concerning picture: in 2022, a staggering 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not read and understand simple text. This figure has worsened by a significant 13% since the disruptions caused by COVID-19 school closures.
UNICEF’s comprehensive education roadmap tackles this global learning crisis head-on. Their focus lies in ensuring all children have the right to quality education, particularly during emergencies. The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign serves as a vital fundraising effort, aiming to support UNICEF’s vision of achieving universal education for all children by 2030.
Quotes Highlighting the Importance of Partnership
Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, expressed the company’s pride in launching the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign. He emphasized the impact of this partnership, stating it will “support the delivery of impactful programs to help children shape their future,” while highlighting UNICEF’s crucial role in protecting children during emergencies.
Lundgren further acknowledged the decade-long partnership between easyJet and UNICEF, commending “customers and crew” for raising nearly £17 million onboard flights over the years. He concluded by expressing gratitude to customers who choose to donate, recognizing their generosity in making a real difference for millions of children worldwide.
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at The UK National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), addressed the growing learning crisis impacting children worldwide. He highlighted the alarming statistic that only 30% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries can read a simple sentence. Sparkes emphasized the urgent need to protect children and their futures.
Expressing gratitude to partners like easyJet, Sparkes acknowledged UNICEF’s tireless work in supporting children and developing innovative programs that enable them to access their right to learn. He concluded by thanking easyJet for their continued commitment to children and looked forward to the partnership’s future.
A Decade of Impact: EasyJet and UNICEF’s Enduring Partnership
Since the initial partnership formed in 2012, easyJet customers and cabin crew have collectively raised nearly £17 million for UNICEF appeals. These funds have enabled UNICEF to protect millions of children around the world from diseases and ensure their safety during emergencies.
Notable contributions include:
- Over £400,000 for children and families affected by the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria in 2023. These funds supported UNICEF’s critical work in the region.
- A record-breaking £616,000 was raised in a single month specifically for UNICEF’s Ukraine appeal.
The significant contributions from easyJet customers have empowered UNICEF to reach over 169 million children, helping them develop essential skills and build brighter futures. Furthermore, since 2018, fundraising has totaled £2.7 million, directly supporting UNICEF’s efforts to provide every child with access to learning opportunities. This encompasses providing essential educational materials like textbooks and classroom kits to more than 137 million children, ensuring they can continue learning even amidst conflict.
Building a Brighter Future: The Road Ahead
The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign and the expanded partnership between easyJet and UNICEF mark a significant step towards achieving universal education by 2030. Looking ahead, several key areas highlight the collaborative efforts that will shape the future of this initiative:
Empowering EasyJet Customers: Onboard donations will remain a cornerstone of the campaign. EasyJet will continue to provide passengers with the opportunity to contribute directly to their flights. These donations will directly support UNICEF’s education programs.
Employee Engagement: easyJet recognizes the power of a dedicated workforce. The airline will likely continue to engage its employees in fundraising activities and educational initiatives that raise awareness about the global learning crisis.
Corporate Social Responsibility: EasyJet’s commitment to corporate social responsibility extends beyond education. The airline may explore additional initiatives that support UNICEF’s broader mission of protecting children’s rights and well-being.
Advocacy Efforts: Both easyJet and UNICEF can leverage their platforms to advocate for policies that prioritize education, particularly in developing countries. This advocacy can contribute to systemic change and create a more equitable learning environment on a global scale.
The Power of Partnership: A Collective Effort for Change
The ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration. By joining forces, easyJet and UNICEF can significantly impact the lives of millions of children around the world. Through continued fundraising efforts, educational initiatives, and advocacy, this partnership paves the way for a brighter future where every child has the opportunity to access quality education and soar toward their full potential.
