Access to quality and inclusive education for conflict affected children in Afghanistan (Central, Eastern and Northern regions)

Activities

OCHA in its December 2016 report has estimated that between January to December 2016 more than 614,225 refugees have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan (out of which 244,125 undocumented and 370,102 registered). Of these, 93% have returned since July 2016.  Since 1 January 2017, the total number of undocumented returnees arriving from Pakistan has risen to 33,026, a 50% increase from the numbers in the same period in 2016.[2] An estimated 600,000 returnees and IDP children (60%) are in need of education in emergencies in 2017 in Afghanistan.

Under this project, EPD enhanced access to “education in emergencies” to children in Laghman and Kunduz provinces as well as awareness raising programs for students, teachers and locals on important issues such as hygiene and girls’ education.

Outcomes

EPD in Laghman and Kunduz with financial support of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) worked to reach out to 3000 girls and boys affected by conflict in Afghanistan to access quality inclusive education in a safe and protective environment. During the project’s life, It contributed to restoring normalcy in the lives of children and providing children with age-appropriate learning opportunities, such as 27 Community based services (CBS) and 19 Accelerated Learning Classes (ALC), community based learning, language and catch-up classes, as well as recreational activities.

Pertaining to this, EPD recruited a team of 35 male and female teachers to train the IDP children on basic literacy courses and prepare them to re-join the formal education system. Overall, 2100 IDP children were trained and were provided with necessary school kits.  With EPD’s efforts, 980 students in these community based education centers could join public schools.

EPD also raised awareness on importance of education and hygiene in IDP communities. The initiative has been appreciated by community influential figures, religious elders and Head of school Shura. Last but not least, EPD facilitated regular meetings between parents and the School Management Shuras (SMS) for encouraging child education, exchanging ideas and solving students and school problems.