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Investing in the Future: Education Cannot Wait Reaches 14 Million Children in Crisis

Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises, has released its latest report titled "Investing in the Future," revealing compelling achievements in educational access amidst humanitarian turmoil. The report highlights that during the first two years of its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, ECW has provided inclusive, quality education to 8.3 million children affected by crises across 33 countries. This brings the total number of beneficiaries to an impressive 14 million children since ECW's inception, demonstrating a commitment to improving educational outcomes in some of the world's most challenging contexts.

Despite these milestones, the report underscores a critical funding gap in the education sector during humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of the total funding requests for education were met within humanitarian appeals, even though education constitutes only 5.4% of the overall Global Humanitarian Overview requirements. This shortage highlights the need for renewed investment in children's education amid crisis.

ECW’s focus on inclusivity is evident, as 51% of those benefitting are girls, and 43% are children who are refugees or internally displaced persons. The investments made by ECW are reflected in increased school enrollment and retention rates, as well as the development of academic and socio-emotional skills among these children. "This progress reflects the exceptional strength of ECW’s strategic model and the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners," stated Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the High-Level Steering Group of ECW.

The report illustrates the collective efforts of over 100 partners, including host country governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, and private sector leaders who came together to ensure educational continuity in challenging situations. ECW’s rapid response model continues to enhance coordination and partnerships across humanitarian, development, and peace sectors, providing greater support for local partners and increasing governmental engagement.

In the year 2024, a significant 39% of ECW’s funding, amounting to 202 million USD, was directed towards countries labeled as “forgotten crises,” including Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, Nigeria, and South Sudan. This allocation highlights ECW’s dedication to aid children in the most neglected and underfunded crisis situations.

Additionally, ECW is increasingly recognizing the interconnections between climate crises and educational challenges, with 41% of the children aided in 2023-2024, equating to 3.4 million girls and boys, benefiting from programs that support adaptation to climate change. However, despite these achievements, the report raises alarms about the growing funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had raised 934 million USD towards its 2023-2026 strategic plan, which is approximately two-thirds of the intended goal, with 113 million USD of pledged contributions still unpaid.

As escalating conflicts, forced displacements, and climate-induced disasters create unprecedented humanitarian needs, educational systems in these regions are on the brink of collapse, impacting an estimated 234 million children and youth in crisis who require urgent educational support—an increase of 18% from three years prior.

In Kaag’s words, “Education is our best—if not the only—hope for children affected by crisis. To continue our work and protect significant achievements, we urge our public and private sector partners for renewed financial contributions. We also look forward to expanding engagement through innovative, new partnerships.” To mobilize funds amounting to 1.5 billion USD by the end of 2026, ECW requires an additional 567 million USD in donations. This support is crucial for ECW and its partners to provide high-quality education for 20 million children who need it most. Without decisive action, millions of children risk being left behind—not due to a lack of solutions, but because of chronic underfunding.

Key Results Summary

• - Since its establishment, ECW has reached 14 million children, with 8.3 million beneficiaries in the first two years of its strategic plan.
• - Girls represent 51% of the aid recipients, and over 40% are forcibly displaced children, marking the highest proportion recorded by ECW.
• - 96% of programs reported increased educational participation, and 74% indicated improvements in gender equality during the 2023-2024 period.
• - Among multi-year programs providing evidence, 88% saw improvements in literacy and numeracy skills, while 78% recorded progress in social-emotional learning between 2023 and 2024.
• - Over 155,000 children with disabilities received support during the same period.
• - In the 2023-2024 timeframe, 6% of recipients were preschool-aged, while 20% were of school age, with significant progress noted in secondary education for girls.
• - Nearly a third (29%) of funds allocated in 2024 was designated for local and national entities.
• - 41% of aid in 2023-2024 targeted programs supporting adaptation to climate change.

For more detailed insights, download the complete report and summary, and access related high-resolution photos and inspiring stories.