Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for every child, regardless of their circumstances. However, for millions of children living in crisis-affected areas, access to quality education is a distant dream. In these dire situations, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing life-changing education to children in the midst of crisis.
At the United Nations today, ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif highlighted the organization’s remarkable achievements in delivering quality education to children in crisis “against all odds”. She emphasized the magnitude of these odds, with the world facing an increase in armed conflicts, climate-induced disasters, and the largest refugee movement since World War II.
Education Cannot Wait, a global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, was launched in 2016 to address the urgent need for education in crisis-affected areas. Since then, the organization has been working tirelessly to bridge the gap between humanitarian and development aid, ensuring that education remains a top priority in emergency responses.
One of the key strengths of ECW is its ability to act quickly and efficiently in times of crisis. The organization works closely with its partners, including governments, UN agencies, and NGOs, to provide immediate and sustainable solutions for education in crisis-affected areas. Through its First Emergency Response window, ECW has been able to reach over 2.6 million children with education in some of the most challenging contexts, including Syria, Yemen, and the Central African Republic.
But ECW’s impact goes beyond just numbers. The organization is committed to delivering quality education that is inclusive, gender-sensitive, and tailored to the specific needs of children in crisis. This means providing psychosocial support, safe learning environments, and trained teachers who understand the unique challenges faced by children in crisis.
In her speech, Sherif highlighted the importance of investing in education in times of crisis. She emphasized that education not only provides children with the knowledge and skills they need to build a better future, but it also gives them a sense of normalcy and hope in the midst of chaos. Education is a powerful tool for healing and resilience, and ECW is dedicated to ensuring that every child in crisis has access to this tool.
One of the most significant achievements of ECW is its groundbreaking multi-year resilience programs. These programs provide long-term support for education in crisis-affected areas, ensuring that children have access to education throughout their entire childhood. This is crucial, as children living in crisis situations often face multiple disruptions to their education, making it difficult for them to catch up and stay in school.
ECW’s resilience programs have already made a significant impact in countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Uganda, where they have reached over 1 million children. These programs not only provide access to education but also support the overall development of children, including their health, nutrition, and protection needs.
The success of Education Cannot Wait would not be possible without the support of its donors. The organization has been able to mobilize over $600 million in funding since its inception, with contributions from governments, private sector partners, and individual donors. This funding has been crucial in providing education to children in crisis and ensuring that ECW can continue its vital work.
As we look towards the future, it is clear that the need for education in crisis-affected areas will only continue to grow. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the education crisis, with school closures and economic hardships pushing millions of children out of school. In this challenging landscape, ECW’s role becomes even more critical.
Education Cannot Wait’s commitment to providing education in the most challenging circumstances is a testament to the organization’s resilience and determination. Against all odds, ECW has delivered quality education to children in crisis, giving them a chance to build a better future for themselves and their communities. As we move forward, let us continue to support and invest in this vital organization, ensuring that no child is left behind in times of crisis.
