Norway provides NOK 1 billion for education for children affected by war and crises

Norway is entering into multi-year agreements worth a total of NOK 1 billion with Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and UNICEF. The funding will help ensure that children and young people affected by war, displacement and disasters have access to safe education.

''The right to education becomes even more important for children living through war and crises. Going to school provides them with safety and protection, as well as opportunities to learn. Education also provides a degree of normality when their lives have been turned upside down. That is why Norway gives priority to education for children and young people affected by crises and conflict,'' said Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust.

Norway will provide NOK 600 million to Education Cannot Wait for the period 2027–2030 and NOK 400 million to UNICEF for the period 2026–2028.

Funding for ECW will increase by NOK 100 million compared with the previous agreement period, while funding for UNICEF will remain at approximately the same level as before.

Education protects children

A growing number of children and young people are growing up amid war and conflict or are being forced to flee their homes. At the same time, education is often given lower priority as humanitarian needs increase.

Schools and other learning environments can be crucial for children in crisis situations. In addition to providing education, they can offer access to psychosocial support and protection from violence, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups, among other risks. Girls and children with disabilities are among those who are particularly vulnerable.

''When children miss out on education because of war or displacement, the consequences can last long after the crisis itself is over. Investing in education means investing both in children’s futures and in more stable societies,'' said Mr Aukrust.

Two partners

ECW mobilises funding and helps to coordinate global efforts to provide education in crises and conflicts.

Norway’s support to UNICEF will be channelled through UNICEF’s education fund and used both for education efforts in crisis and conflict situations and for the long-term strengthening of education systems.

''We need both rapid assistance when a crisis occurs and long-term efforts that enable countries themselves to provide children with quality education. That is why we work with partners whose efforts complement each other and who can deliver both immediate assistance and long-term support,'' said Mr Aukrust.

This initiative follows up Vendepunkt, in which education in crisis and conflict situations is identified as a priority area.