Refugee Education Council
The Refugee Education Council ensures that refugees, displaced youth, and host communities have a voice in shaping global education policies.
REC was created in consultation with Canadian civil society and is hosted by World Vision Canada. Established in 2021 in collaboration with the CIEPWG and alongside the Government of Canada’s Together for Learning Campaign. REC brings together youth advocates, community leaders, teachers, and parents from developing countries.
Launched in February 2021 by World Vision Canada in collaboration with the Canadian International Education Policy Working Group (CIEPWG) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the REC is a big part of Canada’s Together for Learning Campaign. This initiative addresses the global displacement crisis by advocating for quality education for forcibly displaced children.
The first cohort (2021-2022) participated in high-level dialogues, created a youth manifesto, and collaborated with international leaders to drive policy change. The second cohort (2022-2023) continued this work, engaging in global forums, producing advocacy materials, and amplifying the voices of displaced youth around the world.
As the REC builds on these achievements, it remains committed to ensuring that young refugees and their communities directly shape the policies that impact them. Learn more about the 2022 Cohort and 2024 Cohort.
REC actively engages in global initiatives to shape education policies for displaced learners. A key milestone was the Together for Learning Summit (March 30-31, 2022), where REC members collaborated with ministers, civil society, and international organizations to discuss inclusive education, gender equality, and innovation. The Council played a crucial role in developing the Youth Manifesto: Vision for the Education of Refugee and Displaced Learners, a call to action focused on inclusion, mental health, digital learning, gender equality, and accountability.
To amplify these voices, the REC also co-authored the Learning from Disrupted Learners Youth Anthology, featuring personal stories and creative works from refugee and displaced youth. Through their participation, Council members have helped shape policies and commitments, including the Together with Youth outcome document, which reflects global leaders’ pledges to support refugee education.
In 2025, the REC continues this work, advocating for gender-transformative education in crisis settings. Stay connected with REC’s work and follow us on Instagram to see how refugee youth are leading change.
Related articles or posts
Youth Manifesto by REC 2022
Learn more about REC’s Vision for the Education of Refugee and Displaced Learners.
CWS Event
Watch the recording and the outcomes from REC’s latest online event.
Online Survey as a part of Youth Consultation 2025 by REC
Call for Input: Lived Experiences of Refugee and Displaced Youth in Education in Emergencies (EiE)
REC’s Social Media
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