EAC and UNICEF’s Equitable Access to Education for OOSC Affected by the Crisis in Syria project aims to increase access to education for vulnerable and displaced OOSC, especially those living in hard-to-reach areas of Syria, as well as Syrian refugee and host community children that have limited access to formal education. Objectives include increasing access to safe learning spaces and learning materials; expanding access to remedial education and recreational activities; strengthening alternative education programs for out of school children; constructing/rehabilitating learning spaces; and supporting teacher training initiatives. An estimated 586,600 children and 300 teachers are expected to benefit from these interventions.
The sustainability strategy depends entirely on the continued commitment and efforts towards maintaining education as a priority during the crisis in Syria and beyond. The proposed activities build on the existing program and respond to the demand for ensuring high quality education. All results expected and all activities presented are carried out in close collaboration with the leadership at central and decentralized levels (governorate and district). Education sector coordination is also emphasized and brings together civil society as well as other stakeholders – including at the community level – with an expectation that everyone will participate and contribute to education plans, collaborate closely on implementation, monitoring and evaluation. UNICEF regularly coordinates efforts with the Ministry of Education to ensure its interventions are aligned with the national education priority and sector framework. Thus, sustainability of the planned activities and results is supported by strong partnership at all levels.
Partners
UNICEF USA
In partnership, EAC and UNICEF USA are providing quality primary education to 95,000 displaced children in Syria through offices in Amman, Damascus and Gaziantep.Countries
Iraq
Starting in the 1980s, Iraq, a prosperous oil nation, began to undergo detrimental bouts of violence and military conflict with its neighbours Iran and later Kuwait. These activities along with ensuing international sanctions had far-reaching effects on the country’s economy and development. What remained of the economy was, in large part, destroyed by the 2003 invasion and insurgent attacks on the country’s infrastructure, which have cost Iraq billions in revenue. At present, significant levels of sectarian violence, insecurity and corruption hamper the country’s development prospects.
Jordan
Located at the crossroads of the Middle East, Jordan shares borders with Iraq, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Unlike many of the country’s eastern and southern neighbours, Jordan has no oil deposits and as such, services, tourism and U.S. foreign assistance are central to its economy. A blueprint, known as the National Agenda, articulating the country’s path towards long-term political, economic and social reform has yet to be fully implemented, though multi-party politics were introduced in 1992.
Lebanon
Lebanon has long been a hub for commerce and political concern from various interests. A diverse mix of communities and governance issues have aroused the concern of neighbouring states at different times. Lebanon has housed waves of Palestinian refugees and more recently Syrians fleeing conflict, placing a significant strain on the country’s resources.
Syrian Arab Republic
Syria is a country of 14 provinces with its capital based in Damascus. Its economy has deteriorated steadily amid the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, declining by an estimated 62 percent from 2010 to 2014. The government has struggled to address the effects of international sanctions, widespread infrastructure damage, diminished domestic consumption and production and rising inflation, which has led to spiking budget and trade deficits, a shrinking value of the Syrian pound and falling household purchasing power.
