Did you know 128 million youth living in Asia and the Pacific do not have access to education?

According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), prior to the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2019, 128 million children and young adults situated in Asia and the Pacific were not enrolled in primary or secondary school. Today, around 2.8% of the world's population are out of all levels of school.

Violence disrupts education. Attacks and militaristic approaches on school property have increased since 2019. Between 2020 and 2021, more than 400 attacks were reported in nations like Palestine, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Due to Sudan's imperialistic conflicts, more than 13 million school-age children are now not attending school; this issue persists in 2025 and have not yet been resolved thus far.

Climate catastrophes complicate matters further, as 40 million children are impacted by floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes, which hinder their access to ongoing, high-quality education. Bangladesh and the Philippines are the main culprits behind heat waves. Due to the nearly yearly high temperatures of 116 degrees Fahrenheit, school hours are frequently shortened or suspended, disrupting children's academic progress. In addition to experiencing intense heat, Afghanistan also saw catastrophic flooding that damaged over 110 schools, forcing thousands of children to relocate and jeopardizing their access to academics.

"Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded" states Jess Lair

Jess Lair’s quote, “Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded,” reminds us that every child carries their own spark; their own passions, curiosities, and hidden strengths are just some traits children possess. When we give children room to explore, express themselves, and grow at their own pace, we don’t just teach them; we help them discover who they are. Approaches like student-centered or inquiry-based learning invite kids to follow their questions, build confidence, and truly connect with what they’re learning. And time and again, these nurturing environments lead to deeper engagement and more meaningful growth than rigid, one-size-fits-all classrooms ever could.

Every child needs a chance at education, it is substantial our future generations be more stable and even more adventurous beyond us. We, advocates of youth, bridge education to personal and social progress as we believe future can only happen through the works of the present.

The Lotus Seed Project targets underprivileged youth across the pacific. Through literature, educational tools, and global mentorship, children as young as 4 will achieve education beyond their reach. Our resources are designed to raise awareness and inspire action in the pursuit of educational equity for all. You are free to select or modify any of the resources to fit your unique situation or to use your imagination and create your own. Maybe you want to collaborate with your peers to create concepts that your community and school will find appealing. Naturally, the Lotus Seed Project staff is always there to assist you if you require any more support or if you would like to share your educational experiences related to this effort.

Together, we can sow one seed at a time to guarantee that children's right to an education will grow beyond any limits.

-Ngoc Do, Lotus Project's co-president