On World Refugee Day, we pause to reflect on the 43.3 million forcibly displaced children around the world (UNHCR) - each one with a name, a dream, and a story waiting to be told..
Zaya’s Dream, created in partnership with Education Cannot Wait (ECW), tells the journey of one young girl forced to flee her home and rediscover her voice through learning. While fictional, Zaya’s experience mirrors the reality of so many children who have faced the trauma of conflict and displacement. It’s a story about courage, healing, and holding on to dreams in the face of uncertainty.
““A must-read for all, regardless of age, Zaya’s Dream offers a powerful and empathetic portrayal of the refugee experience, while also celebrating the resilience and potential of displaced children.” - Bianca Schulze on “The Children Book Review”
Through vibrant illustrations and honest storytelling, the book follows Zaya as she adjusts to life in a refugee camp, and rediscovers hope in the classroom. It’s more than a story; it’s a window into what education means for children facing crisis.
Through our partnership with ECW, we are working to change that, publishing accessible, multilingual stories that meet children where they are: emotionally, culturally, and linguistically. These stories are designed not just to teach literacy, but to restore a sense of identity and belonging. Because when children read stories that reflect their reality, they begin to imagine a future beyond crisis.
Read Zaya’s Dream now on the NABU Web Reader or download it for free on the NABU App (iOS & Android).
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