Every Child campaign launched today

"ActionAid Ireland believes education is a fundamental human right; many children will never enter a classroom," said a statement.

"ActionAid Ireland is asking Irish people to help children and their communities in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Vietnam and Cambodia. For as little as 76 cent a day sponsoring a child can help to build an education system, provide access to safe, clean water and improve livelihoods so children no longer have to work and can attend school.

"ActionAid estimate that over 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty if all children left school with basic reading skills."

At the launch today, CEO of ActionAid Ireland, Olga McDonogh said: "Much of the sponsorship we receive goes towards educating children that otherwise may not have such a chance.

"Over one billion people, mostly women, lack a basic education and 246 million children worldwide work to survive - education gives people the skills and confidence to escape poverty and achieve their dreams.

"Education isn’t just life-changing, it’s something every child has a right to and through our child sponsorship programmes, we are working towards giving more children in the developing world access to that right."

ActionAid Ireland ambassador Sharon ní Bheolain also said today at the launch: "Children have a natural curiosity and an eagerness to learn, no child should be deprived the joy, the confidence or the opportunities afforded by an education.

"Not only can an education lift a child out of poverty, it can enhance the lives of family members and benefit those living in that child's community."

Further information on Action Aid Ireland and the Every Child campaign, can be found at www.actionaid.ie, www.facebook.com/actionaidireland, www.twitter.com/actionaid.ie, and www.youtube.com/actionaidireland.