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Education Cannot Wait Launches $20 Million Initiative for Children in Chad

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has announced a significant grant of $20 million as part of its Multi-Year Resilience Programme to address the urgent educational needs of children affected by multiple crises in Chad. This funding comes at a time when the country's educational landscape is severely impacted, with an alarming 3.2 million children out of school. The war in neighboring Sudan, internal conflicts, and the adverse effects of climate change have intensified the challenges that educational services face.

Chad is one of the world's poorest nations, with more than a third of its population reliant on humanitarian aid. The growing crisis significantly affects education, as more than 1.7 million people, including 1.2 million refugees, are displaced within its borders. In light of these pressing needs, the newly allocated grant will be implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with local and international partners, including the Government of Chad.

The latest grant from ECW raises its total funding in Chad to an impressive $61 million, which has enabled over 880,000 children to benefit from quality education since its inception. This funding is crucial in a country where forced displacement often interrupts educational pathways, creating a cycle of disadvantage for affected children. Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of ECW, emphasized the necessity for increased financial resources to support these vulnerable refugees. She highlighted that the untapped potential of children and adolescents can be transformed into productive futures, provided they have access to safety, support, and a quality education.

Chad's Minister of National Education, Mr. Mamadou Gana Boukar, acknowledged that the ECW's ongoing support is pivotal in addressing the immediate educational crises while also contributing to the long-term socio-economic development of the affected regions. The Multi-Year Resilience Programme is designed to not only cater to the urgent educational needs but also to enhance the resilience of Chad’s educational system against future adversities.

The current humanitarian appeal for Chad seeks $28.2 million specifically for education, yet half of this appeal remains unmet. This statistic underscores the critical need for further contributions from both the public and private sectors to ensure the successful delivery of educational services to children in Chad.

Over the next few years, the program aims to provide educational resources tailored to the needs of both refugee and local children, with approximately 40% of the targeted 66,600 beneficiaries being refugees. In addition to classroom support, the programme also focuses on training over 1,500 teachers in essential areas such as mental health support, conflict resolution, and modern pedagogical methods.

Child registration and support for vulnerable girls and children with disabilities are also key components of the initiative, addressing the diversity of needs within the educational system. The program is also anticipated to provide alternative learning pathways to ensure inclusivity and access to quality education for all children in Chad.

ECW operates with a vision that no child should be left behind during crises. By establishing partnerships among government agencies, civil society organizations, donors, and educational institutions, ECW aims to foster a connected response that merges immediate relief with sustainable long-term educational solutions.

As the socio-economic landscape in Chad continues to evolve under the pressures of displacement, famine, and extreme weather, the holistic approach of ECW's Multi-Year Resilience Programme will be crucial in shaping a more stable and equitable future for education in the region. With the right support and commitment, the challenges can be met with resilience, aiming for a brighter future for the children of Chad, who represent the hope and potential of the nation.

For updates and ongoing news about the progress of education initiatives in Chad, you can follow ECW on social media or visit their official website.