UNITED NATIONS GIRLS EDUCATION INITIATIVE

A peace accord in 2003 ended a vicious civil war that claimed the lives of more than 3 million people. In pockets of the country, however, armed conflict continued, especially in the east. Severe poverty, insecurity, lack of basic social services and sexual violence all take a heavy toll on children.  School enrolment rates are declining, and nearly half the school-age population is out of school. This encompasses more than 4.4 million children, including 2.5 million girls and 400,000 displaced children.

 

Barriers to girls’ education

• High fees for school compared to average household income.
• Prioritization of boys.
• Early marriage and child labour as a result of poverty.
• The impact of HIV and AIDS on families.
• The persistence of inter-ethnic and armed conflict.

UNGEI in action

The UNGEI partnership is known as ‘Accélération de l’éducation des filles’ (Acceleration for Girls’ Education) and uses the slogan ‘toutes le filles à l’école’ (all girls to school).

Key initiatives

Working with governmental, bilateral and multilateral partners towards the abolition of school fees imposed on parents.

• Increasing community awareness of the individual and social benefits of education for girls.
• Supplying basic school stationery for students and teaching aids for educators to relieve families of these expenses.
• Supporting improved teacher training to encourage better educational techniques.

Partnership

Strong collaboration exists with Government ministries, including Education, Communication and Social Affairs. Partnerships are also in place with religious and community groups, non-governmental organizations and civil society groups, such as female, youth and faith-based organizations. Key UN partners include the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Bank.