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What did you dream of being when you were at school?
This September children in our communities head back to school. But around the world, unjust debt is robbing children of their school days, hopes and dreams.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. The UK Government can introduce a debt justice law to stop private lenders putting profit before people.
Download your Back to School guide for prayers, stories and how to take action with your church.
Our school days give us the opportunity to dream big about our future. But millions of children around the world are being denied the basics of their education and that’s if school is accessible. In countries like Malawi children’s dreams are thwarted by crowded classrooms and not enough teachers to go around. In some schools there’s only one teacher for every 100 students.
Malawi is one of 25 African nations spending more to pay off debt than on education.
Dream big for debt justice
Head back to school and join us in calling on the UK Government to introduce debt justice laws to stop private lenders putting profit before people. Download your action pack today.
What you can do – 5 simple steps
- Think back to your school days – what was your dream? Who or what did you want to be?
- Write your dream in one or two words on an A4 sheet of paper. At the bottom of the page write: BACK TO SCHOOL – DEBT JUSTICE NOW! If you’re feeling creative you could wear an item of clothing or hold up an object that connects with your dream.
- Take a picture – you can do this as a group or on your own
- Share your picture with your MP along with a letter/email calling them to act for debt justice. Include our MP briefing.
- Share your picture with local media with a press release and on social media and tell people why you’re part of the Back to School campaign.
Scroll on for more on what the UK Government can do, and what to ask your MP.
In Wales? You can raise this issues with your Senedd Member too. All governments can play a role in pursuing debt justice.
The government spends a lot of money on debt, while here in schools we have no books for teaching. On top of that the government is failing to employ enough teachers - the learners are many while the teachers are few, leading to a single teacher handling over 100 students.
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What the UK Government can do
Most of the debts that burden low-income countries like Malawi are governed by English law and owed to private companies charging sky high interest rates. The UK Government has the power to introduce a debt justice law that would compel private lenders to participate in debt relief for lower income countries. This means that countries like Malawi wouldn’t have to spend more on debt than vital public services like education.
What to ask your MP
When you write to your MP:
- Tell them about your school days dream and why education is important to you and your local community
- Ask them to call on the UK Government to introduce a ‘debt justice’ law that forces private lenders around the world to take part in debt cancellation.
- Share the Restore Campaign debt MP Briefing
Based in Wales? You can talk to your Senedd Member about debt and education using these resources. All governments can play a role in pursuing debt justice.
Let’s stand with children and teachers in Malawi and other indebted countries, so that they can pursue the future they’re dreaming of.
Learn more about the debt and climate crises and be part of The Restore Campaign