#Education Cannot Wait #N'Djamena #Chad #Sudan

Education Cannot Wait Expands Funding for Sudanese Refugees in Chad

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is intensifying its efforts to address the urgent educational needs of Sudanese refugees in Chad, responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis sparked by the conflict in Sudan. In a significant move, ECW has recently announced an additional US$2 million to bolster education initiatives in the region, targeting the overwhelming challenges faced by refugees and local communities alike.

Since the outbreak of war in Sudan began in April 2023, an astounding number of over 850,000 refugees have sought refuge in Chad. The situation has led to unprecedented pressures on a fragile education system that was already grappling with resource shortages. The new funding aims to enhance the ongoing First Emergency Response delivered in collaboration with UNHCR and local partners, which is set to benefit an additional 27,000 children in need. This initiative brings the total number of children receiving educational support through ECW to approximately 97,000.

Magatte Guisse, the UNHCR Representative, emphasized the vital role played by ECW in providing educational opportunities for Sudanese refugee children. With the recent influx of refugees, education systems in targeted provinces such as Wadi Fira and Ennedi Est have been severely strained, resulting in overcrowded classrooms with over 100 students each. The situation is further exacerbated by the impact of climate change, which has contributed to damaging or destroying 125 classrooms in Wadi Fira alone.

“ECW's continued support is critical to the refugee education response in Chad. The additional funding will support education activities where needs are rising, and humanitarian actors are fewer. Too many refugee children remain out of school despite the progress we’ve seen, particularly with the enrollment of girls outpacing boys at all education levels,” Guisse remarked.

In Chad, two-thirds of refugee school-aged children are out of school, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive educational responses. The quality of education must not only be maintained but enhanced as the conflict in Sudan continues to displace millions and trigger severe human rights violations against children, including reports of killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment. ECW's funding also aims to provide holistic services such as mental health and psychosocial support, ensuring that educational interventions are inclusive and community-driven.

Despite the additional investment from ECW, the educational response remains critically underfunded. The Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan has a total funding requirement of US$1.7 billion, of which US$69.6 million is earmarked for education. As of now, only 22% of this funding requirement has been satisfied, underscoring the urgent need for public and private donors to step up support.

Education Cannot Wait is committed to mobilizing additional resources and encouraging investments from stakeholders. As a global fund dedicated to education in emergencies and protracted crises, ECW ensures that no child is left behind amid adversity. With increased collaboration among governments, public and private donors, and humanitarian organizations, ECW strives to connect immediate relief efforts with sustainable educational solutions.

In conclusion, the additional funding from Education Cannot Wait represents a crucial lifeline for thousands of children affected by the ongoing crisis in Chad. As the organization continues its appeal for more support, every dollar counts in creating pathways to education and a brighter future for the most vulnerable.