Qatar’s EAA & UK’s FCDO Extend Humanitarian Partnership in Asia and Africa to Support 300,000 Out-of-School Children

Written by: Ahmad El Khalaf
- Senior News Producer & War Journalist

Building on a successful five-year collaboration, Qatar’s Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) - have jointly signed a new three-year partnership. Starting this humanitarian effort in Nigeria and Uganda, both countries have pledged to provide an education for over 300,000 out-of-school children within the Asian and African continents.

Established in 2012 in Doha, Qatar, EAA stands as a global leader in advocating the right to education for all children - worldwide. Under the visionary leadership of HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, the foundation employs tens of thousands globally. By successfully spearheading numerous initiatives such as supporting a minimum of 500,000 students to date, the Qatari foundation has now opted to support additional out-of-school children alongside the FCDO.

Ms. Stefania Giannini, the Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO, has emphasised the critical importance of partnerships in ensuring rapid educational recovery. Giannini's speech exemplified the pivotal role of the EAA and further humanitarian organisations as a successful solution. Pointing out that these organisations help the facilitating of education infrastructure and provide support to students in crisis-hit areas.

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, has lauded EAA's efforts in addressing education during emergencies in previous statements. In addition to recognising the Qatari foundation's vital role in safeguarding education as a global common good - both organisations have worked effortlessly to improve data collection and monitoring of education in crisis-affected areas.

With over 370 NGO partnerships and a further 20+ foundation relations, UNESCO fosters collaborative efforts to achieve its objectives worldwide. EAA's efforts in over 57 countries has also been a go-to solution for many of the vulnerable and displaced: as seen in its latest response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. By also supporting thousands of Ukrainian children (0-12 years) during the past few years, the EAA seems to grow its humanitarian efforts by the day.

With an additional 300,000 out-of-school children about to receive vital support, the means of solidarity come through innovative and educational packages that are tailored to the needs of displaced learners. Whether in Asia, Africa or even Europe, the EEA, FCDO and UNESCO have all proven to showcase initiative and action for those in need.