Education in emergencies: donors commit to mobilizing the resources needed to ensure the success of the national strategy

Technical and financial partners in the education sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have committed to mobilizing the resources needed to ensure the success of the National Strategy for Education in Emergencies (SNESU). This was announced by the lead representative of the technical and financial partners in the DRC’s education sector, Laurence Parry, on Friday, February 7, 2025, during the first quarterly meeting of the Sectoral Consultation Committee of the Education Sector Partnership Framework, organized by the Permanent Secretariat for Support and Coordination of the Education Sector (SPACE) and its partners. In her remarks, Laurence Parry reaffirmed the donors’ commitment to mobilizing the necessary resources for the success of the SNESU, as well as to supporting the Congolese government through sectoral ministries in its implementation.

“We are ready to support you in implementing this strategy and to mobilize the necessary resources for its success. But I also welcome the announcement of the mid-term review of the Partnership Pact that we all endorsed in 2022. This review must be a unique opportunity to take stock of the progress made, identify remaining challenges, and adjust our actions,” she stated.

The lead representative of the technical and financial partners for education in the DRC commended the progress made in developing this strategy, while highlighting its importance in ensuring education for the most vulnerable children.

“I am particularly pleased to see the significant progress that has been made in developing the national strategy for education in emergency situations. This strategy is of paramount importance for ensuring the continuity of education during crises and for guaranteeing that the most vulnerable children are not left behind,” added Laurence Parry.

To this end, she commended the DRC government’s efforts to maintain dialogue and consultation on education issues, despite the geopolitical context of a major crisis. For her, this commitment to education for all children and young people is essential and deserves to be highlighted. Furthermore, donors are encouraging the government to seize this opportunity to strengthen its commitment to education and to implement the necessary measures to improve the quality and equity of the education system. It should be noted that the National Strategy for Education in Emergency Situations (SNESU) aims to promote quality lifelong education for all children, youth, and adults, both in the context of emergency interventions and longer-term reconstruction. Nodriche Kasai & Ivan Mudiangombe