Every child has the right to education, yet 69 million children are being denied that right. The IKEA Foundation is funding Save the Children and UNICEF programmes aiming to help ensure that all children are able to receive a quality education across the world.
During the holiday season at the end of each year, one euro (approximately $1.40 USD), for every soft toy sold in IKEA stores is donated by the IKEA Foundation, split between Save the Children and UNICEF, in support of educational programmes around the world.
An estimated 8 million children benefit through better schooling, e.g. creating child-friendly schools with well-trained teachers for all children, girls and boys, including those from ethnic minorities and those with special needs.
Since 2003, the Soft Toy Campaign has raised a total of 35.2 million euros to support over 70 projects in nearly 40 countries. The result has increased steadily each year and the 2010 campaign resulted in a donation totaling 11.4 million euros.
The Soft Toy Campaign aims to improve the education of the most disadvantaged children while recognizing that education is one of the best investments for them.
“Achieving sustainable and large scale changes in society can only be done through collaboration between sectors. The collaboration between Save the Children and the IKEA Group spans over a decade and we are proud and honoured to work together with such a dedicated partner as the IKEA Foundation, in the fight for the actualization of children’s rights to a healthy, secure childhood and quality education,” says Elisabeth Dahlin, Chairman, the IKEA Foundation Collaboration Steering Committee and Secretary General, Save the Children Sweden.
Save the Children thanks IKEA customers for 11.4 million euro donation
2011 Soft Toy Projects funded by the 2010 Soft Toy Campaign
