500 Education Youth Ambassadors to campaign in Pakistan

A network of 500 young leaders has been formed to build on and strengthen the emerging youth movement for education in Pakistan.

The Education Youth Ambassador (EYA) programme has been set up by Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) in collaboration with A World at School.

EYA will be a catalyst for youth leadership and action for education in Pakistan. The young people will focus not only on raising their voices and mobilising others to take action for education in Pakistan – they will also work with A World at School's Global Youth Ambassadors to form a wider movement to get all children into school and learning. There are 500 GYAs working in 85 countries around the world.

The EYAs will campaign in their schools and communities, write blogs and news stories and drive the global #UpForSchool Petition in Pakistan.

Baela Raza Jamil, Director Programs of ITA, believes the initiative “seeks to be a game changer for education”. She added: “It galvanises the most energised section of our population to raise the profile of education as a dynamic platform for addressing the challenges of health, poverty, peace, environment, skills, livelihoods and citizenship.“

Chernor Bah, A World at School co-founder and Youth Engagement Officer, said: “An incredible Pakistani advocate inspired a global movement for education which is taking root in over 85 countries around the world.

“We are delighted that the EYA initiative will organise and equip hundreds of Pakistani youth to mobilise, campaign and take action in their communities that will ensure that no child in their country is denied the right to education. We know this is what Pakistani youth want – the platform is simply going to help elevate their collective voices to levels that can not be ignored.”

At the EYA launch, members of parliament, education advocates and civil society came together to show their support. Maryam Aurangzeb from Pakistan’s parliament officially kicked off the event, recognising the day as a moment of pride for the country.

Uzair Khan, Head of the Education Sub-committee for the Young Parliamentarians Forum, addressed the audience as a keynote speaker and declared the urgent need for action of youth in education.

Young people have expressed excitement over this opportunity to realise their potential, their right to education and to be able to channel it into practice. 

In one week alone, more than 10,000 children have signed the #UpForSchool Petition demanding the right of every child to go to school, without any discrimination. The youth are leading this movement. Find out how you can join them or get more information about EYA.