Planning access to education

for displaced

populations

Martha HewisonUNHCR, Education

Forced displaced – global context

65.3 million forcibly displaced persons20 years average length of displacement16.1 million refugees (under UNHCR protection; 60% in urban contexts)51% of refugees are younger than 18 years41% of refugees live in protracted situations 86% of refugees live in developing countries

Inclusion of refugees into national systems:

…… gives children sustainable access to certified learning opportunities that increases knowledge, hope and resilience … ensures accountability to affected populations… creates opportunities for social cohesion…. is the only sustainable option: Humanitarian financing for education is inadequate and unpredictable – parallel services are unsustainable in the long term……supports governments to meet their responsibilities and commitments… effectively managed humanitarian/development support, bears potential benefits for development of host country education system

Global and national policy landscape

• “Leave no one behind” and SDG 4

NY Declaration on refugees and Migrants Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework

UNHCR Strategic Directions 2017-2021

Turkey • Estimated 60% of Syrian children are current enrolled in formal education programmes

- TEC’s -Turkish schools • Language barrier, major

obstacle- increased language instruction • Change of policy – lost time in

dealing with challenges

Tanzania• No inclusion • Parallel systems operating • Congolese refugees have been in

Tanzania for over 20 years; use county of origin curriculum – restrict opportunities• Burundians – complexity with

exam certification and change in curriculum

Uganda • Full inclusion – quality control• Equitable access on a par with

nationals• Efforts to improve the education

for Ugandans benefit refugees and vice versa • Clear path from primary, through

secondary and beyond• Recognized academic

qualifications• Promotes social inclusion • Challenges faced in schools in the

settlements, mirror the challenges faced in the refugee hosting districts

Challenges• Support needs to happen at several levels• Targeted support is needed to mitigate challenges •Community-based approaches•Planning and resource allocation•Monitoring•Anticipate solutions