Access to quality primary education remains a significant challenge for refugee and internally displaced children worldwide. These vulnerable populations often face barriers to enrollment and retention in educational systems, exacerbating existing inequalities and limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth. Recognizing this pressing issue, the UNHCR-EAC Programme 2015-2019 was initiated to address the educational needs of out-of-school refugee and internally displaced children across multiple regions.
The UNHCR-EAC Programme aimed to provide access to quality primary education for out-of-school refugee and internally displaced children while also supporting their retention once enrolled. Implemented in 14 different locations across 12 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the Programme adopted a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges these vulnerable populations face.
The UNHCR-EAC Programme achieved remarkable success, enrolling 949,028 out-of-school children, exceeding the initial target of 935,000 by 101.5%. Notably, the original target was amended upward twice, from 448,097 to 807,670 and 935,000, reflecting the Programme's commitment to expanding its reach and impact.
To accomplish this remarkable feat, the Programme organized its activities under eight distinct objectives:
The UNHCR-EAC Programme 2015-2019 exemplifies a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the educational needs of refugee and internally displaced children. By targeting multiple facets of the educational ecosystem, from infrastructure and resource provision to capacity-building and community engagement, the Programme succeeded in enrolling and retaining out-of-school children.
As the world continues to grapple with the displacement of populations due to conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises, the lessons learned from the UNHCR-EAC Programme can inform future initiatives aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education for all children, regardless of their circumstances.