In a deeply moving tribute to the late Liam Payne, singer and humanitarian Cheryl Cole has joined forces with UNICEF to launch The Bear Payne Education Fund — a $20 million global initiative dedicated to improving literacy access for children in underserved communities around the world.
Named after Liam and Cheryl’s son, Bear Payne, the fund seeks to honour Liam’s long-standing commitment to children’s welfare and education, while planting the seeds of change for millions of young lives.
“He Believed Every Child Deserved a Voice”
Announced today in a joint press release by Cheryl and UNICEF, the campaign is set to roll out in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, delivering school supplies, teacher training, digital tools, and safe learning spaces to communities most in need.
“Liam always spoke about the power of books, of words, of being seen,” Cheryl said in a statement. “We wanted to create something that carries his belief in young people forward — something Bear could one day look at and feel proud of.”
The initiative is anchored in UNICEF’s global literacy framework but will carry a personal touch, incorporating Liam’s own messages to youth, including quotes from his lyrics, letters, and journals, all shared with the consent of his family.
A Legacy Rooted in Purpose
Liam, who passed away earlier this year, was more than just a pop icon. In his later years, he quietly supported numerous children’s causes, including Save the Children, Comic Relief, and school-building projects in Ghana and India.
Those closest to him say this campaign is exactly what he would have wanted — not a monument, but a movement.
“Liam believed education was the beginning of freedom,” said a UNICEF spokesperson. “We are honoured to carry his legacy into classrooms around the world.”
Cheryl’s Hands-On Role: “This Is for Bear”
Cheryl, who has largely remained private since Liam’s death, is stepping into a more public role to promote the campaign. She will serve as the Honorary Global Ambassador for the Bear Payne Education Fund, personally visiting several of the program’s pilot schools in the coming year.
Her first appearance is scheduled for this autumn in Malawi, where the fund will open its first library dedicated in Liam’s name.
“This isn’t just charity,” she told UNICEF staff in a planning meeting. “It’s how Bear will know his dad’s light is still reaching people — just like it always did.”
How the Fund Will Work
The Bear Payne Education Fund will focus on four key pillars:
- Basic Literacy Access: Distributing age-appropriate books and school materials
- Teacher Empowerment: Training local educators in modern, inclusive teaching practices
- Digital Learning Hubs: Installing solar-powered tablets and Wi-Fi in remote areas
- Emotional Resilience: Providing mental health and grief support to children affected by trauma
The fund’s launch has already attracted support from major figures in education and entertainment, with pledges from UNICEF partners and former One Direction bandmates helping push the first round of donations past the $20 million mark.
To support the Bear Payne Education Fund or learn more about its upcoming programs, visit: www.unicef.org/bearpaynefund
In Liam’s memory, for Bear’s future — and for every child’s right to learn.
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