Ukraine and Education Cannot Wait: A Beacon of Hope for
Conflict-Affected Youth
Amidst the enduring conflict in Ukraine, the Government of
Ukraine and Education Cannot Wait (ECW) have joined forces to unveil an $18
million catalytic grant aimed at bolstering education for over 150,000 children
in the nation's most affected regions. This initiative marks a significant
stride forward in addressing the educational plight of youth grappling with the
repercussions of conflict.
This latest grant supplements ECW's prior investments of
$6.5 million in Ukraine, which have already benefited more than 360,000
children and youth, with a notable 65 percent being girls. With the combined
efforts, ECW's total investments in Ukraine now stand at $24.5 million, further
fortified by contributions from Germany and Japan totaling $12.6 million and $3
million respectively.
The announcement of the new grant was made by Ukraine's
Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, and ECW Executive Director
Yasmine Sherif at the United Nations in New York. Lisovyi underscored Ukraine's
commitment to viewing education as an investment in human capital, pivotal for
the nation's development and resilience. Expressing gratitude to ECW and
partners, Lisovyi emphasized the significance of restoring educational access
for every child amidst the challenges of conflict.
Sherif echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role
of education in fostering hope, development, and future prospects for children
impacted by conflict. She called for increased donor support to bridge the
funding gap, emphasizing the transformative impact of investing in education
for millions of children globally.
The initiative also prioritizes gender equality and
inclusivity, with seven out of ten local organizations spearheading the effort
led by women. By targeting 41,000 girls and boys directly and an additional
150,000 indirectly, the program aims to create safe and inclusive learning
environments, enhance learning outcomes through teacher training and digital
initiatives, and provide vital psychosocial support.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, this collaborative
endeavor between the Government of Ukraine, ECW, and their partners stands as a
beacon of hope, reaffirming the transformative power of education in
conflict-affected regions.
