The Barbadian singer is advocating for global education through a new charitable partnership. Rihanna serves as the newly appointed global ambassador for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
In a statement, Rihanna expressed her belief that every child all over the world should be "afforded the opportunity of a quality education," PR Newswire reported. GPE, which has former Aussie Prime Minister Julia Gillard as its chairwoman, is also in partnership with Global Citizen and Rihanna's own Clara Lionel Foundation.
"Working together, I know we can amplify our efforts and ensure that millions of children gain access to education globally," added Rihanna, as quoted by PR Newswire. The 28-year-old singer will encourage world leaders and policymakers to increase support for global education and education emergencies, especially in the world's poorest countries.
GPE said that the partnership will push for the rights of millions of children and young people who are currently not attending school, as well as those who are attending school but are not receiving quality education. In a tweet, Gillard said that GPE will not give up "until every child is in school and learning."
Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, said that the three groups involved in the partnership will each have a part to play. Global Citizen will deal with the advocacy and movement building efforts, while GPE will campaign to world governments to pursue real and substantial change. Rihanna will be using her voice and international stardom and will also travel to countries where GPE is active.
The partnership operates in more than 60 developing nations, according to PR Newswire. They will prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable children, including young girls and kids suffering the consequences of conflict and crisis.
Today, there are 263 million children and young people in the world who are out of school or are not learning even though they are attending school, according to The Education Commission. Education is highly fundamental to every country's development because it determines the defining trends of this century: technological, demographic, and economic aspects.
A quality basic education provides girls and boys the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy lifestyles and to avoid HIV, Unicef reports. Education also helps these children have active roles in economic, social, and political decision-making.
Sub-Saharan Africa has more than half of the world's out-of-school children and youth. Meanwhile, around 36 percent (34 million) of out-of-school children and adolescents are living in countries affected by conflict such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
