UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

After a bloody rebellion in 2002-2003, democracy and constitutional legitimacy returned to the Central African Republic in 2005. But a lack of funds has severely limited the Government’s ability to respond to humanitarian crises. Living conditions are precarious for women and children; lawlessness and violence are commonplace. Armed conflict has resumed in the north-west region of the country, displacing 30,000 people – primarily women and children – into neighbouring Chad. As of 2005, the country made no significant progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Barriers to girls’ education

• Lack of infrastructure.
• Shortage of teachers.
• Insufficient motivation of key partners.

UNGEI in action

UNGEI’s partnership was established in 2004. Its main objectives are to:

• Build, rehabilitate and equip classrooms.
• Recruit and train teachers.
• Raise awareness while promoting the message of girls’ education.

Partners

At the national level, partners include the Ministry of Education, Association Des Femmes Educantrices pour le Developpement Centra Afrique (AFEDEC), Association des Parents d'Elèves (APE), teachers’ associations, religious and community leaders, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies.

UNGEI within other national and international frameworks

Sector-wide approaches to planning, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers, Common Country Assessment and United Nations Development Assistance Framework processes are in place at the national level.