19 pictures that show how happy children are to be at school around the world

There’s nothing like the feeling of being in school with your friends and learning.

Sadly, 263 million children and youth around the world are out of school. Theirworld is helping children to fulfil their potential, through research, pilot projects and campaigning. Find out more about our work here.

Here – to mark Universal Children’s Day – we show the simple joy and fulfilment that children can get from being in school, feeling safe and sharing the learning experience with their teachers and classmates.

To mark Universal Children’s Day 2016, Theirworld is also promoting the #5for5 campaign on early childhood development – by asking people to share a picture of themselves before the age of five.

90% of a child’s brain has developed by the time they reach the age of five. That means poorer or marginalised children who can’t access the support and care they need are put at a disadvantage. They can end up starting school with a limited vocabulary and reduced ability to learn, which will affect their opportunities in later life.

But there’s a solution – world leaders need to invest more to ensure all children are given the nutrition, care and learning needed for the best start in life. That’s what Theirworld’s #5for5 campaign is about.

If we can join together for Universal Children’s Day and shine a spotlight on the issue, it will increase pressure on world leaders to act. It’s really simple to get involved and help to make a difference.

Here’s how you can help