On Tuesday, 10th June, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Global Education hosted the annual Parliamentary Action Day in collaboration with the Send My Friend to School (SMF) campaign. The event brought 16 Send My Friend to School Campaign Champions, young advocates, aged 13 to 15, and their teachers, from across the UK to Westminster to speak with Parliamentarians about the urgent need to protect global education funding.
The Campaign Champions represent the voices of students from more than 2,000 schools across 262 constituencies. They are campaigning under the theme, “Invest in My Friends’ Learning,” for education to be protected within the UK aid budget amidst a challenging global funding climate.
2025 Campaign Champions
As part of activities for the day, the Champions met with the Minister of State for International Development, Rt. Hon. Baroness Chapman. They highlighted that education is a fundamental human right that continues to be overlooked and underfunded. The young advocates expressed deep concern about the reduction in the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI), and called for urgent action in averting the risk of learning losses for millions of children across the world.
Champions pose with Baroness Chapman, Minister of State for International Development
The Campaign Champions presented three key asks to the Minister:
- Protect education within the ODA budget and prevent further cuts
- Continue UK support to fully fund the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and Education Cannot Wait (ECW), while encouraging other donors to contribute
- Prioritise funding for the most marginalised children and young people, especially those affected by conflict and crisis
Champions making the case for Education to Parliamentarians
About 22 Parliamentarians attended the drop-in session, engaging directly with the young advocates. The Champions urged MPs to hold the government to account in ensuring children are not left behind, particularly in light of ongoing cuts and the deprioritisation of education in development spending.
A cross-section of Campaign Champions and Parliamentarians
The day also featured brief sessions with senior civil servants from the FCDO Girls’ Education Department and the CEO of the Global Partnership for Education, Laura Frigenti, who gave insights into the UK’s role on the global education stage.
Champions paying attention to FCDO Girls’ Education Staff
CEO of Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Laura Frigenti, addressing the Campaign Champions
The students were given a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster, led by APPG Co-Chair Bambos Charalambous MP, and later delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street outlining their calls to action.
Bambos Charalambous MP, Chair of APPG on Global Education, briefing Campaign Champions and their teachers
Champions and Philip Talemwa from Oxfam Uganda before handing in the petition at No 10
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Parliamentarians who took the time to meet with the Campaign Champions, and to the incredible teachers who made the day possible.
The dedication and passion of the Campaign Champions serve as a powerful reminder that youth voices are essential in shaping a more just and equitable global education agenda.