Washington D.C., August 14, 2018 – It is with the utmost shock that the Global Partnership for Education Secretariat (GPE) learned of the violent attack in Yemen that killed and injured dozens of school children. These children were returning to their homes after a school outing.
GPE stands firmly with the international community in calling on all parties for an end to the continuing violence that is taking the lives of children and teachers in Yemen.
Children should not be placed in harm’s way.
The dangerous and violent conflict in Yemen has severely disrupted the education of the country's children, and they and their teachers face ongoing risk. The crisis has impacted millions of children in the region, many of whom have become refugees due to violence and armed conflict. A generation of children is now facing the loss of their education - and their future.
GPE is committed to continuing to support Yemen to expand access to equitable and inclusive basic education. The global community must unite to end violence against children everywhere and protect their right to an education.
GPE is redoubling its efforts to protect and promote the education of children living with the consequences of tragic conflicts, be it in Yemen or elsewhere.
The current GPE grant of US$72.6 million helps improve access, quality, and equity in education in Yemen. UNICEF is the GPE grant agent. In response to the ongoing conflict, the GPE Board of Directors approved US$12 million to be reprogrammed to respond to the most immediate needs, helping UNICEF and the Ministry of Education to purchase basic school supplies and teaching and learning materials. The grant is also supporting immediate implementation of rebuilding schools, providing psychosocial support to thousands of girls and boys as well as basic school supplies to affected children.
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About the Global Partnership for Education: The Global Partnership for Education works with more than 65 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 and conflict-affected. GPE mobilizes financing to improve learning and equity through building stronger education systems. As the only global organization focused exclusively on improving education, GPE brings together developing country and donor country governments, multilateral development and humanitarian agencies, and organizations from the private sector, philanthropy, civil society and the teaching profession.