For many Americans who have had access to public education all their lives, it may be surprising to know that not all countries offer free primary education. Here we share about one student who left her home country in pursuit of the educational opportunities in the US.

World Refugee Day is observed on June 20th each year. It serves as a reminder of the millions of displaced individuals worldwide. It’s a time to reflect upon the challenges faced by refugees and the urgent need for global solidarity and compassion.

Since January of this year, the refugee population has exploded. Today, the UNHCR reports there are 26.6 million refugees in the world—the highest ever seen. In total, an estimated 81.9 million people have had to leave their homes. Half of them are children. For this reason, World Refugee Day on June 20th is an especially important event.