A new partnership between the European Union’s humanitarian arm (ECHO) and UNICEF has been launched to help thousands of children in Sokoto State Northwest Nigeria, whose education was disrupted by conflict and displacement, return to safe and inclusive learning.
The EUR 1 million grant from the European Union’s humanitarian arm (ECHO) is targeted at reaching over 20,000 children aged 5 to 17 living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities in Sokoto State.
The initiative, as stated by the communication specialist at UNICEF, Susan Akila aims to expand access to quality education and life skills for children aged 5 to 17 residing in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities.
The aim is to ensure schooling for vulnerable children while strengthening the education system’s capacity to withstand future shocks.
“Out of school children will be supported through accelerated learning opportunities, and children already enrolled in school will receive remediation support to build foundational skills and improve learning outcomes,” she said.
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According to Akila, over 24 months, the programme will facilitate community-led enrolment campaigns to identify and enrol out-of-school children. It will also promote safe school practices to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation.
In addition, the programme will support the rehabilitation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools and establish WASH and environment clubs to promote improved hygiene and create healthier learning spaces.
“A strong focus is placed on quality learning and child wellbeing. Teachers will receive training in basic pedagogy and crisis sensitive teaching methods that help them respond to trauma, mental health concerns and the psychosocial needs of children affected by conflict and displacement.
“The programme will also provide mental health and psychosocial support services, including the creation of child-friendly spaces where children can learn, play and recover in a supportive environment,” she said.
Akila quoted the Head of the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Office (ECHO) in Nigeria, Alexandre Castellano, as saying no child should have their future determined by conflict, stressing that when learning stops, the consequences can last a lifetime.
“Through this partnership, the European Union and UNICEF will help communities protect their children, enable them to learn in safe spaces, and reclaim their right to education,” Castellano stated.
Similarly, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, said as insecurity threatens learning opportunities for thousands of children in Sokoto State, “this initiative will ensure that affected children can continue their education and build the life skills they need for a brighter future.”
The programme is expected to strengthen Education in Emergencies coordination at state and local government levels and to enhance preparedness to ensure continuity of learning during crises.
Through this partnership, EU Humanitarian Aid and UNICEF reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to learning, protection and the opportunity to thrive.
