Statement by Alice Albright on the devastating cyclones in Comoros and Mozambique
School building. Mozambique. Credit: GPE/Arnaldo Langa

Washington, D.C., April 29, 2019 – In the wake of the powerful Cyclone Kenneth that hit Comoros and Mozambique over the weekend, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and to all who have suffered from its devastation.

While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is working closely with members of the local education group exploring options for support such as restructuring existing GPE funding or accelerating new funding to help to get children back to school as soon as possible.

Our thoughts are with the people of Comoros and Mozambique who are suffering through this second cyclone just a few weeks after Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving thousands more missing or displaced.  

GPE has been working with the affected countries helping to strengthen their national education systems and ensure that their children receive a quality education.  Since 2010, the total value of GPE grants to the four countries is over US$433 million.

Adverse weather conditions are becoming more common as the impact of climate change intensifies. GPE will continue to help developing countries face natural disasters through environmental education, emergency preparedness and response planning that make education systems more resilient to shocks.

We hope the countries will be able to recover from this latest trauma, rebuilding schools and lives and making their education systems stronger than before. GPE stands ready to support the governments of all affected countries in the weeks and months to come.

 

School building. Mozambique. Credit: GPE/Arnaldo Langa

Latest news

March 19, 2024
Search for GPE Vice-chair
The Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is seeking to appoint a new Vice-Chair of its Board for a three-year term starting September 15, 2024.