Cheltenham's MP Alex Chalk has visited 10 Downing Street to present a petition on behalf of children from St John's Primary School.
The petition, in the form of paper backpacks, highlighted the school's support for the 'Send my Friend to School' global campaign for education. The campaign draws attention to children affected by war, natural disaster and emergencies and the damage to their education. The paper backpacks designed by pupils at St John's were covered in messages from the pupils.
Alex Chalk said: 'It was very moving to read some of the messages. As Nelson Mandela said: 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world'. Our young people are the best advocates for change. I was delighted to present the petition to the Prime Minister on their behalf.
'It's easy to take education and the right to schooling for granted. But there are 37 million children across the world who miss out because of was and natural disaster.
'I'm encouraged that the Government is taking this issue seriously. £100 million has just been agreed to educate 175,000 girls in the world's poorest countries. This comes on top of the £30 million committed to support children whose education has been disrupted due to emergencies.'