#Education Cannot Wait #N'Djamena #Chad #Sudanese Refugees

Increasing Educational Support for Sudanese Refugees

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has taken significant steps to address the educational needs of Sudanese refugees fleeing to Chad amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. More than 850,000 refugees have entered Chad since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023. Acknowledging this dire situation, ECW recently announced an additional $2 million in funding intended to support educational initiatives within the country.

This funding is part of the expanded First Emergency Response, which aims to reach a cumulative total of 97,000 children, including an increase of 27,000 children affected by this multifaceted crisis. With a cumulative investment surpassing $68 million in Chad since ECW's inception in 2017, the organization has positively impacted the educational opportunities of over 1 million children in the region.

Educational Needs Amidst Crisis

The escalation of the refugee crisis has put immense strain on Chad's fragile educational system. The influx of more than 150,000 new refugees has led to classroom sizes exceeding 100 students, while recent seasonal floods—exacerbated by climate change—have damaged or destroyed approximately 125 classrooms in the Wadi Fira region alone. As a result, an estimated two-thirds of school-aged refugee children residing in Chad are currently out of school.

Importance of Continued Support

The funds from ECW are crucial for bolstering educational programs for refugees in Chad, especially in Wadi Fira and Ennedi Est—two provinces experiencing significant increases in refugee numbers. These areas suffer from a lack of humanitarian aid workers and the growing need for assistance. UNHCR representative Magatte Guisse emphasized that, despite challenges, significant progress has been made, especially regarding the enrollment of Sudanese refugee girls, who now outnumber boys at various educational levels, extending from pre-school to secondary education.

However, a troubling reality remains that many children continue to miss out on schooling. Guisse urges both public and private donors to sustain and expand educational support initiatives within these areas. The ongoing situation emphasizes the urgency for extended educational measures to help alleviate the challenges faced by refugee children.

The Bigger Picture

The war in Sudan has not only devastated lives but has also instigated the world's most severe hunger crisis, displacing millions. Alarmingly, UNICEF has reported numerous violations against children, including killings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment into armed groups. To combat this crisis effectively, the renewed funding aims to provide inclusive, quality education for both refugee children and those from host communities, while also integrating comprehensive services such as psychological and psychosocial support and enhancing local community structures.

Despite these expanding efforts, the financial requirements to address the education aspects of the Sudan crisis remain considerably underfunded. The Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan has outlined an urgent need for $1.7 billion, including $69.6 million specifically for educational programs. Alarmingly, before this latest infusion of funds from ECW, these needs were met to only 22% of required funding.

Call to Action

To broaden its efforts in supporting the refugee educational crisis, ECW calls upon donors and the private sector to mobilize urgently needed resources. ECW's mission is clear: No child should be left behind. By collaborating with governments, public and private donors, UN organizations, and civil society, ECW strives to enhance the effectiveness of educational responses and ensure sustained support for vulnerable children and young adults, especially in such challenging environments.

For real-time updates, follow ECW on social media channels and visit their official website at www.educationcannotwait.org for more information on how to help.