ECHO – Mod3

Improving Access to Lifesaving, Equitable, Inclusive, Quality, and Protective Education Services for Vulnerable Internally Displaced and Out-of-School Girls and Boys in Somalia

Project Brief

Donor: European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)

Implemented by: Save the Children Norway (STC-NO), and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

Key Stakeholders: Somali Federal Ministry of Education, regional education offices, local NGOs, and education clusters

Project Duration: 24 months (April 2023 - March 31st 2025)

Project Location:
  • Lower Juba: Afmadhow, Kismayo
  • Bay: Baidoa
  • Hiran: Beletweyne
  • Gedo: Dolow, Belet-hawa, Luuq, Garbaharey
  • Lower Shabelle: Jowhar

    • Project Description

    This project focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, quality, and protective education services to internally displaced and out-of-school children affected by drought and conflict in Somalia. The initiative aims to increase school access, retention, and transition for IDP children and adolescents while improving the quality of education through teacher training, school rehabilitation, and psychosocial support services.

    The project will be implemented in 66 IDP schools, targeting 25,437 beneficiaries, including 24,160 children (50% girls) and will introduce new schools in Garbaharey, Luuq, and Jowhar districts. Key interventions include temporary learning spaces, gender-sensitive WASH facilities, school feeding programs, and child protection initiatives. By creating a safe, inclusive, and quality learning environment, the project seeks to improve learning outcomes and protect children from risks such as child labor, early marriage, and school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV).

    Project Objective

  • Increase equitable access to education for IDP children by constructing and rehabilitating schools, providing school supplies, and implementing cash and voucher assistance.
  • Enhance the quality of teaching and learning by training teachers in crisis-responsive education, inclusive education, and gender-sensitive teaching.
  • Improve child protection measures by integrating psychosocial support, school safety programs, and referral systems for at-risk children.
  • Strengthen community engagement in education governance through capacity-building of school committees and advocacy for child rights.
  • Promote the inclusion of children with disabilities through disability screening, provision of assistive devices, and specialized teacher training.

    • Project Targets

  • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnee children.
  • 24,160 children, including 50% girls and at least 2,440 children with disabilities.
  • 300 teachers (119 female), 19 Ministry of Education officials, and 70 caregivers.
  • Community Education Committees (CECs) and Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) supporting 462 members.