The LEGO Foundation has announced a new five-year partnership worth $97 million with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to support children affected by conflict and crises. This funding shoudl reach five million children through education and wellbeing programs in crisis-affected communities.

The funding will expand the IRC’s PlayMatters program, which uses play-based learning to help children recover from trauma, stay engaged in school, and continue learning during emergencies. Teachers will receive training to better support children facing the effects of conflict, displacement, and instability.

Several countries in the Middle East and North Africa are expected to benefit from the initiative, including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, and the Palestinian territories. The program is designed to remain flexible so support can be given in areas where conflict keeps evolving.

The announcement comes at a time when humanitarian funding for education is under pressure globally. According to the partners, children living through conflict often miss out on education and face long-term challenges that affect their development and wellbeing.

Leaders from both organizations said the partnership aims to show the importance of investing in children's education during crises.