As UK children return to school this week, thousands of pupils in crisis-hit countries are also heading back to the classroom, thanks to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

ACN is supporting Christian education in regions where communities face persecution and instability, including Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Iraq.

The charity says education is vital not only for learning but for helping Christian families remain in their homelands.

“Many of us take school for granted”, said Nathalie Raffray from ACN.

“But in places like Iraq and Africa, displacement has denied children access to education. In Lebanon, instability has led to around 17,000 children leaving Christian schools.”

This year, ACN has supported 191 Church-run schools in Lebanon, helping over 170,000 pupils. In Syria, more than 20 schools are still operating with emergency aid, while in Nigeria, home to over 10 million out-of-school children, ACN has helped thousands attend Catholic schools.

In Pakistan, solar panels have been installed to reduce school operating costs.

“Education protects children from poverty, exploitation, and extremist recruitment,” Raffray explained. “It gives Christian communities a reason to stay and rebuild. These schools also preserve faith and identity, forming future leaders who will strengthen their communities.”

Raffray added: “Faith is at the heart of what we do. We pray daily for peace, healing, and hope for these children and their future.”