Full Breakdown
LEGO Foundation Pledges $97 Million to Expand Play-Based Learning for Conflict-Affected Children
5/28/2026, 11:19:05 PM
The $97 Million Play-Based Education Initiative
On Wednesday, LEGO Foundation announced a five-year, $97 million partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to scale PlayMatters. The initiative aims to reach five million children aged three to twelve in conflict-affected areas of East Africa and the Middle East, using play-based curricula that combine learning with psychosocial support. The “agile” funding model lets IRC reallocate resources as crises evolve.
Conflict-Driven Need and Prior Partnerships
Armed conflict in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Uganda has disrupted schooling for millions. The LEGO Foundation previously contributed $100 million to the “Ahlan Simsim” series for Syrian and Rohingya refugees and $30 million with Co-Impact for locally led learning solutions. The pledge arrives as U.S. and European aid cuts strain humanitarian capacity.
Leaders and Funding Overview
LEGO Foundation CEO Sidsel Marie Kristensen, IRC President David Miliband, PlayMatters Director Martin Omukuba, teacher Sister Kasingye Secunda in Uganda, and Patty McIlreavy are leading the effort. The $97 million, five-year partnership targets Ethiopia, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Uganda.
Impact, Challenges, and Data Gaps
IRC research links early-childhood education to reduced toxic stress and improved brain development in crises. Critics say humanitarian aid prioritizes “life-saving” items—food, water, shelter—while neglecting “life-sustaining” services like schooling. Sources agree on the $97 million commitment, but target-country lists may shift as conflicts evolve, and impact assessments remain unpublished.
Official Statements & Responses
Miliband called the partnership a response to the loss of childhood, urging donors to restore normalcy through play. Kristensen highlighted unpredictability and the need for pivoting funding. Omukuba noted education can begin only after children’s survival is secured. McIlreavy warned narrow aid definitions leave children’s development unaddressed, citing an under-detected Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo linked to reduced health funding.
On-the-Ground Observations
In Uganda’s Nakivale settlement, Secunda reported higher attendance and enthusiasm after PlayMatters introduced games teaching colors and leadership. A multilingual radio show, now broadcast in South Sudan, helps children label emotions despite seasonal flooding that blocks school access.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Children who are born in conflict have their childhood stolen from them,” — David Miliband, President, International Rescue Committee
- “In the world we are living in right now, nobody knows honestly what is happening tomorrow or in two months,” — Sidsel Marie Kristensen, CEO, LEGO Foundation
- “They are eager to come to school.” — Sister Kasingye Secunda, Teacher, Nakivale settlement
- “Life saving” assistance was too narrowly limited to “what do you actually need to keep the body alive,” she said,” a definition that excluded “life sustaining” efforts such as children’s education.” — Patty McIlreavy, President & CEO, Center for Disaster Philanthropy
What’s Next
Kristensen hopes the pledge will spur collaboration among governments, NGOs and the private sector. IRC will monitor enrollment, attendance and learning outcomes annually, adjust funding as conflict dynamics shift, and expand digital content—including radio and online modules—to reach children in hard-to-access areas.
