Shape – Shaping the global conversation on education, in the UK and beyond.
Giving Focus - Hope through education in Northern Nigeria.
1) INCREASE - News on how we’ve expanded our global impact for children this summer.
Over the summer, alongside our ongoing humanitarian support through partners in 38 nations, we launched two special campaigns for children in Madagascar and Gaza. Summer is often a season of lower giving, with holidays, compassion fatigue, and other pressures — yet together we achieved so much more than expected. These past months have highlighted the power of grassroots collaboration and the remarkable difference it makes for children in need.
Quarry to School Campaign in Madagascar: At the beginning of the Summer, we invited our network to help us sponsor 30 children trapped in child labour in a quarry in Madagascar. Within just a few weeks, the campaign reached its goal — raising all the funds needed to bring about a complete turnaround in these children’s lives.
On 8th September, those children walked into school (see pictures below), proudly wearing their beautiful new uniforms. They are now also part of a feeding programme, have received birth certificates, and are benefiting from pastoral support — stepping into a future filled with hope and opportunity.
In the above picture, just weeks ago, these children were working in the quarry. Today, they’re in school—a complete transformation in their lives and future.
In the above picture, Children from the quarry, who once laboured all day in the sun and dust for nothing more than a cup of rice—their only meal—are now receiving a nutritious plate of food five times a week.
Dolls for Gaza: Later this summer, we launched a campaign to raise funds for handmade dolls for children in Gaza—a small gesture amidst the region’s suffering. Thanks to your generosity, 40 children received dolls, distributed in hospitals, shelters, and at the Church of Saint Porphyrius.
In the above pictures, the distribution of the dolls to children at the Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza.
2) PRAY | A heartfelt challenge from children in Northern Nigeria, lifting prayers for our world.
Last week, we were pleased to support our partners’ September Camp for children in Northern Nigeria. The gathering offered a rich mix of activities—games, meals, learning, and the provision of practical aid—but one of the most memorable moments was when the children gathered to pray. They prayed for peace, for God’s love, and for vulnerable children like themselves around the world. It was a simple yet meaningful reminder of the strength and hope children can carry.
We asked our partner in Sokoto, Sister Gotname Bitrus-Ibrahim—a respected Nigerian poet and writer who leads this work—to share her reflections. Her article, ‘When Children Pray,’ gives a thoughtful insight into that moment, and we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it by clicking here.
In the above pictures, in Sokoto, Nigeria, children lift their voices in prayer for peace, God’s love, and for vulnerable children everywhere.
3) SHAPE | Shaping the global conversation on education, in the UK and beyond.
This month, we were honoured to be invited by The Church of England & National Society for Education to take part in a key conversation with leaders from across the World on the concept of flourishing in education and life — inspired by John 10:10.
Alongside an exclusive tour and worship at Westminster Abbey and Lambeth Palace, we also had the privilege of gathering at the Department for Education building to hear from the heads of Anglican, Catholic, and Muslim schools in the UK.
While faith traditions and theologies may differ, the discussion was centred on the shared conviction that education is a powerful tool for transforming society and advancing justice, regardless of background. There was a strong spirit of collaboration, with a focus on sharing best practices across communities.
Although CRY does not work directly with schools in the UK, we were able to contribute insights into how these concepts and philosophies could be applied — or reimagined — for educational institutions in the Global South.
We are excited about the potential collaboration that may emerge in the future with the Church of England and the National Society for Education.
In the above pictures, educational leaders were invited by the Church of England to take part in visits and discussions held at Lambeth Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Department for Education.
4) GIVING FOCUS | Hope through education in Northern Nigeria.
This month, we want to highlight the vital work of our partnerships in Northern Nigeria. In a region where Boko Haram terrorises communities and deliberately targets schools, we collaborate with our partners to develop innovative education strategies.
Teachers bring learning directly to rural communities—whether in homes, under trees, or, where it is safe, in school buildings—effectively creating secure learning hubs away from danger. In some cases, where it is deemed safe, we also cover school fees for vulnerable children, ensuring they can access education.
To sustain this vital work, we rely on your generosity. We plan to release a further £2,000 to ensure these schemes continue until the end of the year. Any donations made via the button below will directly go towards that amount and will support children’s education and provide hope in one of the most challenging regions of our world.
Alternatively, you can explore all the different ways to donate by visiting www.cry.org.uk/donate.
Verse of the Month
"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."Proverbs 4:13
