Rachel Bentley with community members in Karamoja
Esther Smitheram and Jemma Gilpin - Communications Team at Children on the Edge

Written by Communications Team

September 17th, 2026

This article takes 2 min to read

Share on

University of Chichester awards Honorary Doctorate to Children on the Edge CEO Rachel Bentley OBE

We are pleased to share some great news from our home town. The University of Chichester has awarded our CEO and Co-founder, Rachel Bentley OBE, an Honorary Doctorate of Education.

Rachel Bentley OBE in doctoral robes for University of Chichester honourary doctorate ceremony

Since 1990, Rachel has led Children on the Edge, an international child rights organisation based right here in Chichester. This recognition reflects over three decades of work defending the rights of marginalised children and creating access to education in some of the toughest environments in the world.

Reflecting on the award, Rachel said:

"I feel very honoured to receive this Doctorate. I am deeply proud that, across the globe, so many children who would otherwise lack access to education are now receiving a quality education through the work of Children on the Edge and their partners."

A bit of history

At just 23, Rachel joined a group of volunteers led by human rights activist and Body Shop founder Dame Anita Roddick. In 1990, they travelled to Hălăucești, Romania, to support children living in severe conditions in state orphanages. Witnessing that level of neglect sparked a lifelong commitment. In 1992, Rachel and Anita co-founded Children on the Edge.

Rachel Bentley with Dame Anita Roddick walking together

Rachel with Dame Anita Roddick in the early days of Children on the Edge

Rachel has led our team ever since, building community-led programmes that reach children displaced by conflict, extreme poverty, and discrimination. Her work across countries like Uganda, Lebanon, Bangladesh, and Myanmar earned her an OBE in 2022.

Rachel Bentley receiving her OBE from HRH Prince William

Rachel Bentley receiving her OBE from HRH Prince William in 2022

Rachel Bentley with community members in Karamoja

"Rachel has led Children on the Edge with vision, compassion and integrity. Her work is attuned to the University’s mission not just in advancing knowledge and supporting global education, but in championing dignity and inclusion, and protecting children's rights."

Lorna Earle, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the University of Chichester

Delivering education where it is needed most

Today, our team focuses on bringing education directly to children who are otherwise completely excluded from school.

In Kutupalong, Bangladesh, the largest refugee camp in the world, we run classes for Rohingya children who fled genocide in Myanmar. In Uganda's Kyaka refugee settlement, we have partnered directly with the University of Chichester to develop play-based, child-led early learning tailored specifically for Congolese refugee children, bringing education straight to their doorsteps.

Children in Uganda using sticks to draw pictures on the ground

"What makes this connection all the more meaningful is that Children on the Edge is on the doorstep of our Bishop Otter campus. This is not just a global charity with local roots; it is our neighbour and collaborator and should be a source of inspiration to the University community."

Lorna Earle, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at the University of Chichester

Children sitting in a classroom in Bangladesh smiling at the photographer

A classroom in Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh

"
"I hope to see a new generation that wants to tackle poverty and its causes, working with people on the margins to bring change that will pull them out of poverty."
"

Rachel Bentley OBE

Inspiring the next generation

When asked what message she would pass on to the graduating students at Chichester, Rachel offered advice that speaks directly to the ethos of our work:

"Believe in yourself and follow your heart. Make your life mean something. Paraphrasing Frederick Buechner's words: 'Find a path in life where your happiness meets the world's great need.'

"I hope to see a new generation that wants to tackle poverty and its causes, working with people on the margins to bring change that will pull them out of poverty."

Congratulations to Rachel from all of the team!

Children on the Edge is a small organisation with a big reach. From a top-floor office in Chichester, we support local communities around the world, who in turn enable thousands of children to thrive in some of the toughest situations. We can’t do it without support, and even a small amount makes a huge difference. Thank you.

Donate

seven young children standing behind a railing in Kachin State Myanmar

Read more

seven young children standing behind a railing in Kachin State Myanmar

“We carried the toys ourselves” - How Kachin families are rebuilding Early Years Education

After a decade in displacement camps, families returning to their villages in the Kachin region are taking the lead. In their own words, children, parents and teachers share how they are carrying early learning models back home. They are rebuilding classrooms piece by piece, setting up learning centres for as few as two toddlers, and ensuring their youngest thrive as communities start fresh.
Uganda woman with Children on the Edge tabard plays counting sticks with Congolese children

Children on the Edge Impact: 2025-2026

In 2025–2026, Children on the Edge demonstrated that even in the toughest environments, investing in local people creates sustainable change. We have tested, refined, and used low-cost interventions on the margins, always sharing them openly so governments and international bodies can scale them where they are most needed.
The team talking to individuals during the training to hear their thoughts

Lost in translation in Karamoja - How we still need the human touch...

As we prepared to introduce Early Childhood Education in Karamoja with our community-led cluster learning model, we needed to find ways to make our play-based learning accessible for all and utilised AI to help. However, we soon realised that AI didn’t have the functionality we needed, and in this situation a human touch was still best!

Sign Up


Thank you!

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to our Community. Keep an eye out for your first email from us.