By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri.
Education Above All Foundation (EAA), based in Doha, Qatar, was officially established on October 17, 2012. Its mission is to foster human, social, and economic development through quality education and diverse welfare programs, with a particular focus on areas impacted by poverty, conflict, and disaster. EAA prioritizes the needs of children and women, empowering them to become active members of their communities. By addressing the demand for education, the foundation equips these individuals to contribute to sustainable development and foster environments of peace, security, justice, and prosperity
EAA’s advocacy program, Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC), underscores the foundation’s commitment to the right to education and the realization of SDG 4 and the 2030 Agenda. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing the use and impact of education-related data in humanitarian contexts.
EAA’s presence in the Lake Chad Basin area has brought significant positive changes, uplifting many families across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic.
*N’Djamena, Chad:* Education Above All (EAA) Foundation has been a pivotal force in transforming the educational landscape in the Lake Chad region. Since 2012, EAA has dedicated itself to ensuring quality primary education for out-of-school children (OOSC) in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. Through strategic partnerships with UNICEF, UNHCR, and other key organizations, EAA has made significant strides in enrolling thousands of children in school, improving educational infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of education.
EAA’s Impact in Chad:
EAA’s Educate A Child (EAC) program, in collaboration with UNICEF and UNHCR, has made remarkable achievements in Chad. Over 190,158 OOSC have been enrolled through five joint education projects, exceeding the original commitment of 160,993 OOSC. This has been made possible through a substantial investment of over USD 78 million.
Infrastructure and Training:
Key accomplishments in Chad include the construction of 7,584 classrooms, refurbishment of four water points, and the construction of 699 latrines. Additionally, 21,683 individuals, including teachers, have been trained, ensuring a robust educational ecosystem. The revitalization of basic education in Chad, a project with UNICEF from 2012 to 2018, significantly increased primary school completion rates and improved the quality of education for more than 68,000 OOSC.
Collaboration with UNHCR:
The partnership between EAA’s EAC program and UNHCR has been instrumental in enrolling over 1.6 million OOSC globally, with 121,746 enrolled in Chad alone. This collaboration has focused on constructing and rehabilitating educational facilities, training teachers, and providing necessary educational materials. In Chad, 521 classrooms have been constructed or rehabilitated, and 411 latrines and 25 water points have been built, enhancing the learning environment.
Expanding Reach in Cameroon:
Since 2020, EAA’s EAC program has extended its efforts to Cameroon, particularly in the Adamaoua and East regions, targeting refugee and internally displaced populations. The project has successfully enrolled 17,855 OOSC, surpassing the initial target of 13,333. Investments amounting to USD 5,623,312 have facilitated the construction of 101 classrooms and 116 latrines, and the training of 370 individuals, ensuring a supportive learning environment.
Achievements in Niger:
In Niger, EAA, in partnership with Humanity & Inclusion and Plan International, has enrolled 46,655 OOSC through joint education projects since 2015. The projects have focused on community mobilization, capacity development, and inclusive education policies. Significant achievements include the construction of latrines and refurbishment of water points, alongside training 10,898 individuals, including teachers.
Holistic Programs:
EAA’s initiatives are not limited to constructing schools and enrolling students. The foundation has implemented holistic programs that address various aspects of education, health, and socio-economic well-being. For instance, in Chad, 68,412 OOSC benefitted from improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure, receiving 1,758,900 textbooks and 255 school kits for girls.
Advocacy and Policy Change:
EAA’s work also extends to advocacy and policy change, collaborating with governments to improve educational systems. In Chad, the Revitalizing Basic Education project has been a significant step towards increasing primary school completion rates from 37% in 2011 to 80% by 2020. The project also focused on reducing disparities by promoting girls’ education and improving the physical learning environment.
Inclusive Education:
EAA is committed to inclusive education, ensuring children with disabilities and those from vulnerable groups have access to quality education. In Niger, the partnership with Humanity & Inclusion has enrolled children with disabilities and influenced inclusive education policies. This approach ensures that no child is left behind, fostering a sense of equality and inclusion.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals:
EAA’s efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. The foundation’s projects in Chad, Cameroon, and Niger contribute significantly to achieving this global objective, emphasizing the importance of education in building resilient and prosperous communities.
Future Plans:
EAA continues to expand its reach and impact in the Lake Chad region. Future plans include the establishment of more learning centers, enhancement of teacher training programs, and introduction of vocational training courses tailored to regional needs. With continued support from donors, partners, and local communities, EAA is poised to further transform education in the region.
Conclusion:
Education Above All’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education to out-of-school children in the Lake Chad region has transformed countless lives. Through strategic partnerships, significant investments, and a holistic approach, EAA has created a sustainable and inclusive educational environment. Their efforts not only improve access to education but also empower communities, fostering a brighter future for all. Northest geople polticdal zone of Nigeria comprises of Borno, yobe and Adamawa are regarded as part of the Lake Chad Basin region also received a significant support from Education Above All EAA hwrre over 9000 children were enrolled into various scholl and targeting to help over 40,000 children with the next two years, renovated and built classrooms
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