Norway increases support for education in crisis situations
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: The Office of the Prime Minister
News story | Date: 29/09/2019
‘Some 37 million of the children who are currently out of school live in areas affected by crisis and conflict. The fact that these children are deprived of their right to education means that they are doubly affected by crises. In times of crisis, attending school can provide protection and help to maintain a sense of normality. Education also raises children’s chances of being able to work their way out of poverty in the future and improve their quality of life. That is why we are increasing our support for education in crisis situations,’ said Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
The increase of NOK 500 million for the period 2019-2022 to support the work of Education Cannot Wait to deliver education in emergencies and protracted crises was announced by Prime Minister Erna Solberg at the Global Citizen Festival in New York today.
Education Cannot Wait is a global fund and partnership dedicated to delivering quality education to children and young people in areas affected by crisis and conflict. Norway was a strong advocate for the establishment of the fund at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016. Since then, Education Cannot Wait has provided support for education for 1.4 million children and young people in 29 countries affected by crisis, including Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh and countries in the Sahel region. From 2016 to 2018, Norway contributed NOK 188 million to the fund.
‘Humanitarian crises today are often complex and protracted. Ensuring close coordination between humanitarian action and long-term efforts in the area of education is therefore essential. Education Cannot Wait unites humanitarian and development actors to deliver a coordinated response to the educational needs of children and young people affected by crises,’ Ms Solberg said.