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Education Cannot Wait Takes Action for Kids in Chad

In a significant move to address the educational crisis in Chad, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has announced a substantial grant of $20 million. This funding will enhance the Multi-Year Resilience Programme, bringing the total support from ECW to $61 million in the region. This initiative aims to assist approximately 66,000 children and adolescents who are currently out of school due to the ongoing humanitarian crises.

Chad is one of the world's most impoverished countries, with over one-third of its population relying on humanitarian aid. The situation is compounded by climate change, conflict, and instability in neighboring Sudan, leading to rampant violence and the displacement of many. Notably, more than 3.2 million children in Chad are deprived of education, a situation that continues to deteriorate.

Coordinated Efforts with Partners

The grant will be administered through UNICEF, in collaboration with the Chad government and numerous local and international partners. The support extends beyond just immediate educational needs; it forms part of a broader humanitarian response plan that aims to allocate $28.2 million to education.

Yasmine Sherif, the Executive Director of ECW, emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the necessity for additional financial resources from both public and private sectors to ensure that vulnerable children, especially those affected by displacement, have access to quality education. She stated, "Chad is a prime example of the need to support refugees within the educational framework. Current demands significantly exceed available resources, urging us to boost financing to create secure and educational environments for these children."

Impact of the Multi-Year Resilience Programme

The Multi-Year Resilience Programme is not just an emergency response; it plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of affected provinces. Mamadou Gana Boukar, Chad's Minister of National Education and Civic Development, praised ECW for its consistent efforts in fostering education during crises. He noted that while the challenges are daunting, ongoing support is vital for addressing both immediate educational needs and longer-term developmental goals.

Currently, Chad hosts over 1.7 million internally displaced persons, including 1.2 million refugees. Factors such as forced displacement, lack of food security, health emergencies, and climate threats remain prevalent humanitarian issues. The influx of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan only exacerbates the crisis, placing immense strain on national resources and educational systems.

Future Goals and Initiatives

Out of the 66,600 children benefited by this investment, over 40% are refugees. The program will also provide training for more than 1,500 teachers, focusing on conflict resolution, mental health support, and effective pedagogy. Additionally, vital steps will be taken to ensure the registration of birth certificates for children and to support vulnerable girls and children with disabilities in accessing educational opportunities.

Dr. Marcel Ouattara, the UNICEF representative in Chad, acknowledged ECW's unwavering commitment to supporting school-age children impacted by complex crises. He reiterated that the second phase of the Multi-Year Resilience Programme will strive to ensure inclusive quality education while enhancing the resilience of the educational system.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between ECW, UNICEF, and the government of Chad mark a significant step towards mitigating the educational crisis, providing hope and reassurance to thousands of vulnerable children. The program aims not only to rectify immediate educational deficits but also to lay the groundwork for a brighter future for Chad's youth amidst ongoing challenges.