Geneva, December 17, 2019 - The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has approved the expansion of its accelerated funding mechanism. The decision will unlock up to US$250 million in rapid funding for education in countries experiencing humanitarian emergencies in the coming year.
The move was approved by the Board of Directors, which met in Nairobi, Kenya on December 10-12, 2019. The Board’s decision is indicative of GPE’s commitment to bring transformative solutions to the global learning crisis and to focus on the poorest and most marginalized children, including those affected by humanitarian emergencies and forced displacement – refugees, internally displaced children and asylum seekers.
“The extended role of GPE’s accelerated funding is crucial to assisting countries to respond more quickly and efficiently to crises. The swift access to funding will ensure that children caught up in crises do not have to forgo their right to go to school and learn,” said Julia Gillard, GPE Board Chair.
Making the announcement at the Global Forum for Refugees, GPE’s Chief Executive Officer Alice Albright said: “Half of the world’s refugee children are currently being denied their right to an education. This is unacceptable. GPE works with partner countries to include refugees in schools, and to build strong and resilient national systems so that all children receive a quality education.”
GPE has used its accelerated funding mechanism since 2012 to support partner countries experiencing crises. The mechanism allows countries with ongoing UN humanitarian appeals to respond to urgent education needs. It is especially beneficial for countries to address the needs of refugees, displaced populations and host communities and create resilient education systems that can respond to emergency situations.
Previously, GPE partner countries with an ongoing humanitarian appeal could request an advance of up to 20 percent of their maximum country allocation. Under the new decision, these countries can receive up to an additional 20 percent in accelerated funding while keeping their existing maximum country allocation.
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About the Global Partnership for Education
The Global Partnership for Education supports close to 70 developing countries to ensure that every child receives a quality basic education, prioritizing the poorest, the most vulnerable and those living in countries affected by fragility or conflict. GPE mobilizes financing for education and supports developing countries to build effective education systems founded on evidence-based planning and policies. /ends
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