The right of children to an education is enshrined in the International Bill of Human Rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

Recognizing that education is fundamental to helping each and every child achieve their full potential, UNRWA has worked for nearly 70 years to ensure that Palestine refugee children have access to quality education. Since its operations began, UNRWA has educated three generations of refugees, or more than 2 million refugee children.

Currently, UNRWA provides free basic education to over 525,000 Palestine refugee children and youth in 711 schools, 8 vocational training centres and 2 educational science faculties across the Agency's five fields of operations. UNRWA has made a substantial and unique contribution to the human development of Palestine refugees and has earned a reputation for its delivery and commitment to quality education.

Despite its achievements, UNRWA recognized the need to transform its Education Programme to better respond to the demands of the twenty-first century. Therefore, in 2011, it embarked upon a major reform to further strengthen its education system and develop the capabilities of refugee students so that they can contribute positively as local, regional and global citizens.

The Education Reform has resulted in improvements in the quality of teaching and learning, increased efficiency (i.e. more students graduating on time), and a reduction of 'wastage' (i.e. student drop-outs). The policy and accountability framework that is now in place, built around a clear vision of quality, equitable and inclusive education for Palestine refugees, serves to further strengthen students' resilience and to actively contribute to their development.

For more information see: https://www.unrwa.org/what-we-do/education