The NEU supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG4, the global target of enrolment and completion of free, high-quality public education for all.
Globally, over 270 million children are out of school – and UK aid cuts are making it worse.
With over 270 million children out of school and a global shortage of 44 million teachers, the 2030 target date for attaining the SDGs and SDG4 couldn’t be more challenging. Now is the time for richer countries in the global north, such as the UK, to step up and take urgent action.
But instead, the UK is slashing its overseas aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income - its lowest level in nearly 30 years.
As the government balances its books against the world’s poorest, children are paying the price. 2.2 million children are now set to lose out on schooling because of the cuts.
Aid cuts - write to your MP today
The NEU has launched an urgent action appeal in response to the UK’s devastating aid cuts.
Aids cuts = empty classrooms. Please write to your MP today using our action tool and urge the government to rethink its aid cuts and continue to fund education for the world’s most vulnerable children.
This video by Dave Barter, North West International organising forum member, shows how easy it is to use the action tool – it will take you less than 2 minutes to complete.
Send My Friend to School launches ‘Invest in My Friends’ learning
The NEU is a leading member of the Send My Friend to School (SMF) coalition, which brings together young people, politicians, teachers and civil society in joint campaigning to demand quality education for all children across the globe.
In March 2025, the coalition launched its new two-year campaign ‘Invest in My Friend’s Learning’. The campaign calls on the UK Government to protect and reprioritise global education within its international development budget and agenda, while also supporting efforts to sustainably grow domestic public budgets and tackle debt.
You can download a free campaign resource pack with everything you need to bring the campaign to life in your classroom. Resources include assemblies, lesson plans, campaign activities and guidance on contacting your local MPs. Resources are tailored for whether you have 20 minutes, an hour, or can create a whole scheme of work.
The pack is currently available in English and will soon be available in Welsh, with primary and secondary resources.
Given the impact of aid cuts on education spending, the campaign's call could not be more urgent. Join thousands of schools across the country who are calling on the government to protect funding for global education so that children and young people around the world can access a quality education.
Read Send My Friend's policy report and download a free campaign and teaching resources