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Education Cannot Wait's $20 Million Grant for Chad

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has recently revealed its commitment to Chad by announcing a substantial grant of $20 million. This funding will support a multi-year resilience program aimed at providing educational opportunities to children affected by the ongoing crises in the region. With this new grant, the total ECW funding allocated to Chad has surpassed $61 million, demonstrating the urgent need to address the educational challenges faced by the country.

Chad, one of the poorest countries globally, is grappling with significant humanitarian challenges. Over a third of its population currently requires humanitarian assistance, with 3.2 million children lacking access to education. The situation has been exacerbated by the war in neighboring Sudan, inter-community conflicts, climate change effects, and forced displacements, disrupting the educational journey of millions.

In light of these pressing issues, the newly announced $20 million grant will be coordinated through UNICEF in collaboration with the Chad government and various local and international partners. This support is expected to directly reach around 66,000 children and youth impacted by crises, ensuring they have access to education and a brighter future.

A Lifeline for Displaced Children

Mamadou Gana Boukar, Chad’s Minister of National Education and Civic Support, emphasized the importance of this funding. He highlighted that Chad has generously opened its doors to refugees, integrating their children into the national education system as a model for refugee protection. However, the ongoing needs continue to far exceed available resources. To sustain this solidarity with refugees, there is an absolute necessity for more funding, which calls for contributions from both public and private sectors.

Yasmine Sherif, the executive director of ECW, stated, “With substantial additional funding, we can and must enhance financial support to make high-quality education accessible in safe environments for children and youth, including refugees and their educators in Chad.” Moreover, she linked educational support to broader socio-economic development in affected provinces, underscoring the program's significance.

Addressing Out-of-School Children

UNICEF has acknowledged the escalating youth education crisis in Chad. Currently, 3.2 million children and adolescents are out of school, primarily due to forced displacements and insufficient educational facilities. The combined influx of refugees fleeing wars and the recurring health and food security crises further compound these challenges, leading to an urgent need for increased educational support.

Dr. Marcel Ouattara, acting UNICEF representative in Chad, commented on the vital role of ECW's support, stating that the multi-year resilience program would amplify educational access and quality. “Together, we can change children’s lives and build a brighter future for them in Chad,” he stated.

Furthermore, this grant will lead to the training of over 1,500 teachers on conflict resolution and psychosocial support, contributing positively to the educational landscape in Chad. It will also help register children in national databases and offer tailored educational opportunities for vulnerable groups, including girls and children with disabilities.

Global Support for Education

Education Cannot Wait operates as a global fund under UN initiatives aimed at ensuring quality education for refugee and displaced children. By mobilizing international efforts, ECW is committed to promptly responding to education crises, ensuring that no child is left behind. They are actively appealing to public and private donors to boost support, thus reaching more children in distress.

As Chad remains one of the top refugee-hosting countries, the combined effects of climate threats and ongoing conflicts necessitate robust intervention strategies to uphold education as a fundamental human right. With nearly 1.7 million internally displaced persons in Chad, including 1.2 million refugees, the need for a sustained and united effort to enhance educational access is clearer than ever.

In conclusion, while significant strides are being made with the newly announced funding, it is essential for various stakeholders to unite in promoting education as an essential pillar of recovery and resilience in Chad. With collaborative efforts and expanded resources, there is hope for a brighter educational landscape for the children of Chad, ultimately steering them towards a hopeful future.