Photo © RET International

Article by RET Global Communications

As the world marks the International Day of Education (January 24), we are reminded that education remains one of the strongest foundations for resilience, protection, and long-term self-reliance. For 25 years, we’ve placed education at the center of its work, supporting communities living in crisis, displacement, and fragility to rebuild their futures with dignity.

A Legacy of Global Impact

Since our inception, we’ve operated in more than 35 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Over the past quarter century, we’ve implemented hundreds of projects combining education, protection, and economic inclusion, reaching millions of people affected by conflict, displacement, and inequality. RET’s work focuses on young people and women, strengthening their capacity to learn, adapt, and lead change within their families and communities.

Photo © RET International

Education as a Driver of Inclusion

Today, one of the most powerful examples of our mission in action can be found in Peru. Through the Aprender Sin Barreras (Learn Without Barriers) project, made possible by funding from Education Cannot Wait, migrant teachers are transforming classrooms into hubs of inclusion, integration, and resilience. By turning education into a tool for social cohesion, we ensure that migration leads to inclusion rather than isolation. In Ecuador, we’re doing it through our multiyear EstudiANDO, also supported by Education Cannot Wait. Similarly, in Lebanon, RET Germany’s skills training programs have successfully opened job opportunities for women, fostering financial independence and economic growth.

Building Resilience Through a Multi-Sector Approach

Our education programming is closely linked with protection, economic resilience, and disaster risk reduction. By addressing these needs together, the organization supports learners not only to stay in school, but to thrive beyond it – especially in crisis and post-conflict environments.

As we look ahead, our commitment to education remains aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the belief that learning empowers individuals to shape peaceful, resilient communities. On this International Day of Education, we reaffirm that investing in education today helps bridge gaps and build a more inclusive tomorrow.

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