USD 18 million has been unlocked for Ukraine under cooperation with Education Cannot Wait

During a visit to the United States, Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lysovyi, together with the Executive Director of the global fund Education Cannot Wait  Yasmina Sherif, announced the launch of a Multi-Year Support Program for Ukraine, for which the fund has allocated $18 million USD.

“The war has taken thousands of lives, caused untold destruction, displaced millions, traumatized an entire generation of children, torn families and communities apart, and devastated the economy. By investing in education for the girls and boys who have lost so much in this horrific conflict, we are investing in their power to bounce back and in Ukraine’s right to peace, sustainability and economic prosperity. Donors must step up to support Education Cannot Wait and our strategic global partners in delivering on our promise of education for all: our funding gap is just $600 million. With that, we will have US$1.5 billion in total funding and can reach 20 million children worldwide with quality education support, including for Ukraine,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait, Global Fund for Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises in the United Nations.

The program will be implemented by two consortia, including a local consortium led by the Kyiv School of Economics Institute and an international consortium led by the largest Finnish humanitarian organization, Finn Church Aid. The local consortium includes leading local organizations SavED, Osvitoria, Teach for Ukraine, Projector, and EdCamp. Finn Church Aid will implement the program in partnership with experienced Ukrainian organizations DOCCU, MriyDiy, and GoGlobal.

The program localization, involving local organizations not only in project implementation but also in program management, is a crucial component of the partnership with ECW. Ukrainian organizations will participate in coordinating and monitoring program implementation, significantly enhancing their expertise and capacity.

“Today, Ukraine has the willingness and resources not only to survive, but to develop. That's why we perceive the expenditure on education as investments in human capital. Building democracy and a strong, resilient state. The role of education here is crucial, so our efforts are currently focused on restoring access to education for every child. I am incredibly grateful to Education Cannot Wait for their shared vision and support. Thank you for not only helping Ukraine respond to the challenges of war, but also supporting the long-term development of the Ukrainian education system”, said Oksen Lisoviy.

The program consists of three main components, which include infrastructure support, improving the quality of education, and developing informal education. Infrastructure support involves purchasing devices for children who do not have access to face-to-face or online learning, repairing and equipping shelters, and restoring damaged educational facilities.

As part of the learning quality component, the program aims to create digital content to effectively engage children in online learning, develop educational programs and materials within the New Ukrainian School framework and vocational education reform, and provide professional training for educators in different areas.

The development of informal education involves opening digital learning centers, catch-up education and MHPSS. The local consortium will also focus on implementing cross-cutting priorities, including inclusion and gender equality in education.

Support from ECW and the implementation of the program will contribute to the continuity of teaching and learning, combining humanitarian assistance with development projects to support the education system in times of war.

The program will be implemented by the end of 2025 and will cover over 40,000 children and 12,000 teachers from the most socially vulnerable population groups.

The actual implementation of the program will start in a few weeks. Progress in its implementation will be tracked on the official channels of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.