Primark and UNICEF team up in the name of education

Primark is shining the spotlight on children's education, via a new partnership with UNICEF.

The fast fashion giant has announced a three-year collaboration with the non profit organization, and has committed to donate US$4.5 million to a program designed to support the education of vulnerable children in Cambodia. The retailer has also donated US$ 1.5 million towards UNICEF's worldwide emergency response operations.

"As an international brand we are excited to be collaborating with a global organization which shares our commitment to making a difference in communities that most need support," said Primark's Chief Executive Officer Paul Marchant in a statement. "We recognize the importance of education in enabling every child to fulfil their potential, and we are pleased to be able to support UNICEF as they work to break down some of the barriers to education for children in Cambodia."

The Cambodian program will feature targeted support for girls and other children with disabilities or from minority language groups and will also cover investment in school sanitation facilities and teacher training.

The move aligns with a wider current trend among major fashion brands for supporting social causes. This year has seen denim label 7 For All Mankind combating bullying and loneliness via a new capsule collection with nonprofit organization The Jed Foundation, while Lacoste has teamed up with the Save Our Species conservation group on a limited-edition project, and catwalk heavyweight Gucci donated $500,000 to the March For Our Lives gun control rally that took place back in the spring.