#None #Education Cannot Wait #Global Education Fund #humanitarian crisis

Investing in the Future: Education Cannot Wait's Impact

Introduction
In a world where crises seem to outpace solutions, the role of education in fostering resilience and providing hope cannot be overstated. Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global fund dedicated to educational access in emergencies and protracted crises under the aegis of the United Nations, recently launched its 2024 Annual Results Report, which reveals significant milestones and challenges in delivering education to those in need.

Significant Achievements
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving educational outcomes, ECW has reached an astounding 14 million children and adolescents affected by crises since its inception. The latest report highlights that, during 2023-2024, ECW and its strategic partners have successfully engaged 8.3 million children across 33 countries, emphasizing inclusive and quality education as a pathway to transformation.

A remarkable aspect of ECW’s work is its dedication to equity and inclusion, with 51% of the children served being girls and 43% consisting of refugees or internally displaced individuals. This focus not only helps in increasing enrollment rates but also in improving children's ability to acquire essential academic and socio-emotional skills, fostering a generation that is better prepared for the future.

A Call for Urgent Funding
Despite these accomplishments, the educational sector remains one of the most underfunded within humanitarian responses. In 2024, only 30% of the financial requirements for education within humanitarian appeals were met, reflecting a growing disparity as education continues to represent just 5.4% of total Global Humanitarian Overview needs.

Collective Effort
The accomplishments outlined in the report are the result of a collective effort involving over 100 partners, including host governments, UN agencies, local and international civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, and private sector leaders. Together, they aim to ensure that education continues to thrive amidst some of the world's most complex crises.

Sigrid Kaag, Chair of the ECW High Level Steering Group, emphasizes the unique strength of ECW's strategic model, stating, “This progress reflects the unwavering commitment of our global coalition of partners. It’s not merely about coordination; it’s about a joint commitment translating into collective action.”

Funding Distribution and Crisis Response
In 2024, 39% of the $202 million allocated by ECW went to countries classified as “forgotten crises,” including Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and many others. This allocation underscores ECW's commitment to reaching out to the most overlooked and underfunded emergency situations.

Moreover, ECW’s increased emphasis on connecting climate crises to educational access illustrates a forward-thinking approach. Programs focused on climate adaptation reached 41% of children served in 2023-2024, amounting to about 3.4 million boys and girls, thereby integrating crucial environmental issues into their educational framework.

Facing a funding gap, ECW has mobilized $934 million towards its strategic plan for 2023-2026, achieving approximately two-thirds of its overall target. However, $113 million in promised contributions remain unpaid, a crucial shortfall as escalating conflicts and climate disasters create unprecedented humanitarian emergencies.

The Importance of Continued Support
As we address these daunting challenges, the urgent need to sustain progress in education remains paramount. Sigrid Kaag calls on public and private sector partners to renew their pledges, stating, “Education is our best – if not the only – hope for children bearing the greatest burden of crises. To protect the significant achievements we’ve made, we need a restoration of funding contributions.”

In total, ECW needs an additional $567 million to achieve its goal of mobilizing $1.5 billion by the end of 2026, which would allow them to provide quality education to 20 million children most in need. Without decisive actions, millions risk falling behind—not due to a lack of solutions but due to chronic underinvestment.

Conclusion
Education Cannot Wait has accomplished incredible milestones, yet the road ahead is fraught with challenges. As we progress towards a future where every child has access to education, it is essential to recognize the pivotal role of sustainable funding and international cooperation. The potential of young individuals in crises is boundless if we choose to invest in their futures.

Key Results:

• - Total beneficiaries since inception: 14 million children
• - Active engagement during 2023-2024: 8.3 million in 33 countries
• - Participation of girls: 51%
• - Programs showing increased attendance: 96%
• - Improved literacy and/or numeracy outcomes: 88%
• - Climate adaptation programs responding to the needs of 3.4 million children

The full report is available for download, offering in-depth insights and additional materials. Together, as a global community, we can ensure that education is not just a privilege but a right for every child.