#USA #New York #Education Cannot Wait #Emergency Education #Global Fund

Investing in Futures: Education Cannot Wait Reaches 14 Million Children in Crises Worldwide

On September 18, 2025, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a crucial global fund focused on education in emergencies, released its Investing in Futures 2024 Annual Results Report. The report highlighted that halfway through its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, ECW and its partners have successfully reached 8.3 million children and adolescents impacted by crises across 33 countries. To date, this brings the total number of children supported by ECW to an impressive 14 million.

The report outlines critical insights into the challenges and successes faced in delivering educational opportunities amidst adversity. It stresses a troubling reality: education continues to be underfunded in humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of the educational funding required for humanitarian appeals was satisfied. Alarmingly, education merely accounts for 5.4% of the overall Global Humanitarian Overview’s needs.

Focusing on equity and inclusion, the report revealed that 51% of the children reached were girls, with 43% comprising refugees or children displaced internally. ECW’s efforts have shown measurable success; more children are enrolling in schools than ever, they are staying longer, and they are acquiring both academic and social-emotional skills. Moreover, shifts in gender norms have fostered greater access and participation in education across the board.

Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High-Level Steering Group, commented on these outcomes: "This reflects the unique strength of ECW's strategic model and the relentless commitment from our global coalition of partners. This effort transcends mere coordination; it embodies a shared commitment that translates into effective action."

The report celebrates the collaboration of over 100 partners, including host governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, and leaders from the private sector. Together, they made strides in delivering education to children caught in some of the globe's most challenging crises.

At the system level, ECW’s rapid response model and multi-year programming have enhanced coordination and partnerships across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. In 2024, a noteworthy 39% of ECW’s US$202 million disbursements targeted countries classified as ''forgotten crises,'' such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan, affirming their commitment to aiding children in severely overlooked emergencies.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the essential connection between the climate crisis and educational challenges. It indicated that 41% of the children benefiting from ECW’s programs in 2023–2024 – approximately 3.4 million individuals – were part of initiatives that supported climate change adaptation.

Despite significant achievements, the report warns of a widening funding gap. By the end of 2024, ECW had mobilized US$934 million toward its strategic plan, constituting around two-thirds of its target. However, US$113 million in pledged contributions remain unpaid, complicating ongoing efforts against escalating conflicts, forced displacements, and climate-related disasters, which have amplified humanitarian needs.

Currently, an estimated 234 million crisis-affected children and adolescents require urgent educational support, witnessing an 18% rise over the past three years. Education, unfortunately, remains among the most underfunded sectors in humanitarian efforts.

Kaag further stressed the importance of educational access, stating, "Education is our best – if not the only – hope for children bearing the brunt of crises. To sustain our momentum and protect the significant outcomes achieved, we urgently need renewed financial support from our public and private sector partners. We also anticipate expanded commitments through innovative partnerships."

To fulfill its ambitious US$1.5 billion resource mobilization goal by the close of 2026, ECW requires an additional US$567 million in contributions. This funding is vital to ensure that quality education reaches 20 million children who are in dire need. Failing to act decisively will leave millions of children behind—not due to a lack of solutions but because of chronic underinvestment.

Key Highlights:

• - A total of 14 million children reached since the ECW's inception, with 8.3 million in the first half of the 2023–2024 Strategic Plan.
• - 51% of those reached are girls; over 40% are forcibly displaced, representing the highest proportion to date.
• - 96% of the programs reported improved education participation, with 74% indicating gender-equitable advancements in 2023–2024.
• - Each multi-year program providing evidence showed that 88% achieved better literacy/numeracy and 78% demonstrated gains in social-emotional learning.
• - Over 155,000 children with disabilities were reached in 2023-2024.
• - For the approved programs in 2024, nearly a third (29%) of funding was pledged to local and national entities.
• - 41% of children reached in 2023-2024 participated in programs aimed at climate change adaptation.

Through continuous efforts and heightened awareness, ECW remains steadfast in its mission, advocating for necessary funding and equitable educational opportunities for children caught in crises worldwide.