The Education Ministry and Save the Children have embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to bolster education in crisis-hit areas, with a focus on the vulnerable. The Multi-Year Resilience Programme II (MYRP II) is a three-year endeavor, funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) to the tune of 24 million US dollars. This ambitious project aims to reach over 173,000 children in conflict and drought-stricken regions, including Tigray, Amhara, and Somali. The primary goal is to ensure that displaced and vulnerable students, especially girls and children with disabilities, have access to education.
The funding is strategically allocated, with half directed to local implementing partners through a consortium led by Save the Children. This consortium includes renowned organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, Humanity Inclusion, the Development Expertise Center, the Forum for African Women Educationalists, the Tigray Development Association, and OWS Development Fund. This partnership ensures that resources are utilized effectively and reach those who need them most.
A key component of MYRP II is the establishment of a National Steering Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Education. This committee will play a pivotal role in coordinating national and regional responses, aligning donor efforts, and overseeing the program's implementation. The committee's mission is to create a cohesive framework for emergency education, seamlessly integrating humanitarian support with long-term system resilience. By doing so, Ethiopia can maintain educational continuity during times of crisis, setting a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.
This initiative builds upon previous successes, having already restored schooling for thousands of children displaced by conflict and natural disasters. MYRP II is poised to become a model for integrating emergency response with education sector reform, ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of stability even in the most challenging circumstances.
