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Education Cannot Wait's $20 Million Initiative in Chad

In a remarkable effort to tackle rising educational challenges, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has announced a pivotal $20 million catalytic grant to support its Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Chad. This initiative, aimed at reaching roughly 66,000 children affected by crises, is a crucial response to a situation where over 3.2 million children are currently out of school. The urgency of this program cannot be overstated, as Chad, one of the poorest nations globally, grapples with severe humanitarian needs.

Chad's difficulties have been compounded by numerous factors including the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, climate-induced challenges, and internal disputes, leading to increased displacement and disrupted educational opportunities for millions of young learners. With more than a third of the population requiring humanitarian assistance, this grant represents a significant lifeline, bringing the total ECW funding to over $61 million in the region.

Partnership with Local and International Organizations

The $20 million grant will be implemented in collaboration with UNICEF, alongside the Government of Chad and various national and international partners committed to addressing the escalating educational crisis. This funding is a substantial contribution toward Chad's Humanitarian Response Plan, which has outlined a need for $28.2 million specifically for education, of which 50% remains unfunded.

Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait, emphasized the importance of sustained financial support for both refugees and local children, advocating for increased resources from both public and private sectors. "Chad has demonstrated a commendable commitment to refuge children by integrating them into its national education system. However, we must do more to meet the needs of these vulnerable populations and ensure their access to a safe and quality education," she stated, calling for a collective effort to bridge the funding gap.

Tackling the Big Educational Challenges

The educational landscape in Chad has its share of challenges, including exorbitant school fees and a declining quality of education. Even when children find their way into classrooms, many are stymied by a lack of resources and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

Dr. Marcel Ouattara, Acting Representative of UNICEF Chad, acknowledged ECW’s ongoing support, highlighting that the second phase of the Multi-Year Resilience Programme will focus on promoting inclusive and sustainable education. Specifically targeting the Ouaddaï and Logone Oriental provinces, this program aims to reinforce the education system’s resilience amid ongoing challenges.

Among the 66,600 targeted children for this initiative, over 40% will be refugees, emphasizing the program’s inclusive nature. It also aims to train more than 1,500 teachers on various aspects, including mental health support and conflict resolution. Moreover, there will be efforts to ensure civil registration for children, specifically focusing on vulnerable girls and creating tailored educational pathways for children with disabilities.

Moving Forward Together

The urgency of expanding educational support in Chad cannot be ignored. The country currently hosts over 1.7 million forcibly displaced individuals, including 1.2 million refugees, leading to overwhelmed local resources and obstructed progress toward universal education goals. The multifaceted humanitarian crises, including food insecurity and health emergencies, continue to pose significant barriers to educational access.

As we look forward, it remains imperative for global partners and donors to increase their contributions, ensuring that no child is left behind, particularly those impacted by these crises. ECW continues to lead the charge in addressing educational demands amidst emergencies, striving for a brighter future for all children in Chad. For more information and to stay updated, follow ECW on Twitter at @EduCannotWait or visit their website.