13-year-old Anniella* was forced from her home in western Burundi due to severe floods last year. Like thousands of other families, hers lost everything—their home, their livelihoods, and access to school. Anniella and her family ended up settling in Gateri displacement camp. 

"We had to give up school because everything had been washed away in the disaster," Anniella explains. "After the disaster, we had no home and no food." 

Life in the camp presented significant challenges. Food was limited, and Anniella became isolated from other children. She withdrew, spending most of her time alone with no opportunity to continue learning. 

Street Child and our local partner, supported by UNICEF, established a Child-Friendly Space in the camp. Through this programme, Anniella was able to reconnect with other children again. The space provided opportunities for play and learning that helped her begin to rebuild connections with her peers while continuing her education. 

Through consistent educational support, Anniella was able to return to formal schooling and now ranks 8th in her class, compared to struggling academically before the floods. With her education back on track, Anniella can once again pursue her aspirations: "I am drawn to becoming a doctor so that I can care for other people, my loved ones, and those in need," she says. 

When disasters displace families, children's education often stops completely. The longer children remain out of school, the less likely they are to return.  

Right now, thousands of children like Anniella are missing out on their education due to emergencies and displacement. But with your support, we can ensure every child gets that chance to return to learning and pursue their dreams. For just £4 a month, you can support a child's education for a whole year – giving them the tools to build their own future, just like Anniella is building hers.

*Name changed for safeguarding