Congratulations to our colleagues at A World at School for their success with the #UpForSchool Petition launched almost a year ago to demand a world where every child can go to school and learn.

Over 9.8 million people from nearly every country on the planet have joined us and stood #UpForSchool. When the petition was shared at the recent Education Summit in Oslo, world leaders committed to launch a new fund for education in emergencies. Within days superstar Shakira will join A World at School Youth Ambassadors to deliver our message to world leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Today A World at School touched base asking us to tell our network why we are standing up for school and ask them to sign the petition. Below is the letter Dr. Widad mailed to DI Network.

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Dear friends and colleagues,

In the next few days, Shakira is going to be handing over a petition I’ve signed, the #UpForSchool petition. The petition is quite simple – it demands that every child can go to school and learn.

59 million children are still left without a primary school education – even though world leaders promised in 2000 to make sure that every child would be able to realise their human right to a basic quality education.

Nearly 10 million people have joined me in standing #UpForSchool – and Shakira will be presenting our message to world leaders at the UN in the next few days.

Before she does, will you join me and help get us over 10 million? Every additional person who will stand up for the 59 million children left without the chance to go to school will help make sure they’re not forgotten. You can sign here.

Thanks so much,

Dr Widad

Co-founder, Defend International