link to DG ECHO site

Consortium lead:

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Project title: Strengthening Resilience through Multi-Sectoral Response in Borno, Zamfara and Sokoto States of Northeast and Northwest Regions of Nigeria.

CHAD International, in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) consortium and with the generous support of the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid , has launched a pivotal project aimed at restoring educational access and safeguarding vulnerable children in Gwoza, Borno State Nigeria. This initiative, titled Strengthening Resilience through Multi-Sectoral Response in Borno, Zamfara, and Sokoto States of Northeast and Northwest Nigeria, is a response to the critical education needs of children who have been deprived of schooling due to the ongoing conflict in Northeast Nigeria.

The Urgent Need
For over thirteen years, conflict has severely impacted Borno’s education system, resulting in millions of children being out of school and susceptible to exploitation, radicalization, and early marriage. This EU-funded initiative seeks to give these children a new start, equipping them with essential knowledge and protection services to build resilience and open paths to a better future.

Project Focus and Objectives
Through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, this project aims to address the challenges faced by these children and the communities that support them. Key objectives include:

• Providing Quality Education: Delivering non-formal education to over 3,120 out-of-school children, including both internally displaced persons (IDPs) and children from host communities. Remedial classes will also be offered to 1,800 students who are behind in their studies, helping them close the learning gap.

• Enhancing Teacher Capacity: Training 31 teachers and 39 learning facilitators to ensure that children receive high-quality instruction, grounded in effective teaching methods and child protection principles.

• Protecting Children: Establishing child protection mechanisms, including early warning systems and referral pathways to specialized services, to safeguard children against abuse and exploitation.

• Improving School WASH Facilities: Enhancing access to clean water and sanitation in schools to promote health and create safe, conducive learning environments.

The Executive Director of CHAD International Dr. Lucy Usen highlighted the importance of this initiative: “With EU funding and our strong partnership with IRC, we are addressing one of the most pressing issues facing Borno’s children today—access to education. Education is not just about learning; it is a shield for these children, a way to protect them from exploitation, and a foundation for their future. We call on government agencies, donors, and humanitarian organizations to join us in making education a central part of emergency response efforts.”

CHAD International urges all stakeholders to prioritize and support educational initiatives that empower children affected by conflict, as this is essential for building resilient communities and ensuring long-term stability in the region.