28 March 2024, Doha - Education Above All Foundation (EAA)’s Educate A Child program and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are pleased to announce the successful completion of their collaborative project, "Improving Access to Education for Conflict-Affected Children in Northeast Nigeria."

The two-year initiative targeted the enrolment of out of school children (OOSC) in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States of Northeast Nigeria, areas severely affected by extremist violence and insurgency. Against a goal of reaching 20,000 of the most marginalized OOSC with quality primary education, the project not only met, but exceeded this goal by ultimately enrolling 21,589 children between the ages 7 of 14 into non-formal education, surpassing the target by 8 per cent. The establishment of 643 non-formal education centers within community primary schools, along with the renovation of 29 classrooms, has provided these children with a much more conducive-learning environment.

Moreover, the joint project achieved significant success in transitioning enrolled children into the formal education system, thereby bridging the education gap. In addition, bursary support, in the form of scholastic materials (exercise books, pencils, and a school bag) at the point of enrolment, proved critical and reached 14,213 children (7,268 girls and 6,945 boys) across 48 formal primary schools in the BAY States.

In response to concerns related to the volatile security situation, the project implemented robust mechanisms to enhance the safety of children traveling to and from school and during their time at school.

Dr Mary Joy Pigozzi, Executive Director of EAA's Educate A Child program, expressed enormous appreciation at the project's achievements in light of the challenges that conflict poses. She notes, "This project exemplifies our commitment with our partners to providing quality primary education to those affected by barriers beyond their control, in this case, insecurity and conflict. Exceeding the OOSC enrolment target is not only a testament to the positive impact we can have on the lives of children, but the fact that we can enable children to realize their right to education in extremely challenging circumstances as well."

"Our collaborative project with the Education Above All Foundation marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to provide quality education to conflict-affected children in Northeast Nigeria. The successful completion of this initiative underscores the transformative power of education in restoring hope and stability to communities ravaged by violence and insecurity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to improving education access for vulnerable children, recognizing it as a cornerstone for building resilience and fostering a brighter future in regions affected by conflict," Babatunde Ojei, IRC Country Director, Nigeria.

For media inquiries, contact:

Madiha Raza

Associate Director, Global Public Affairs & Communications for Africa
International Rescue Committee
[email protected]

Patience Rusare
Senior Media Specialist
Education Above All Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +974 5993 1560

About the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation

The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA Foundation aims to transform lives through education. We believe that education is the single most effective means of reducing poverty, creating peaceful and just societies, unlocking the full potential of every child and youth, and creating the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through our multi-sectoral approach, unique financing models, focus on innovation as a tool for social good, and partnerships, we aim to bring hope and real opportunities to the lives of impoverished and marginalized boys and girls. EAA Foundation is comprised of the following programs: Educate A Child (EAC), Al Fakhoora, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), Innovation Development (ID) and Together project.

About International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC works in more than 50 countries and in 28 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.
Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook.