Fahad AL Sulaiti, chief executive officer (CEO) of EAA,says, "We firmly believe that every child should be given the opportunity to realise their right to education."

"Together, through this partnership, we are taking a significant leap towards ensuring quality primary education for many more of the most marginalised out of school children. Together, we will contribute to a world where every child can learn, grow and fulfil their dreams," adds Sulaiti. 

This partnership is backed by a financial commitment of up to USD$70-million. It seeks to:
  • address challenges faced by over 80 000 out of school children
  • educate 200 000 youth on climate change, and
  • create employment opportunities for 150 000 young people across 25 countries over the next five years. 
Hassan Al Mulla, CEO of Silatech, says, "As we join forces in this transformative collaboration, Silatech is honoured to play a vital role in empowering youth globally through employment opportunities. Through innovative and effective solutions, we are committed to addressing the pressing challenge of youth unemployment, enabling young people to unleash their true potential and fulfil their aspirations." 

Marie-Hélène Loison, deputy CEO of AFD, says, "I am very pleased today to sign this tripartite Framework Agreement with EAA and Silatech. It concretely sets concessional co-financing objectives for the countries that need it most on two pressing issues for developing countries: access to education and youth employment."

The partners conclude that the agreement underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in supporting developing nations and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
  • SDG 4 (Quality Education)
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Through this partnership, EAA, Silatech and AFD will provide financing opportunities for access to:
  • quality primary education for out of school children
  • global legal advocacy for protection of education from attack
  • climate change education, and
  • the employment or self-employment of youth through job placement and enterprise development in developing countries across three continents.
Proposed targeted countries include:
  • Benin
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Comoros
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Iraq
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Haiti
  • Kenya
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Madagascar
  • Mauritania
  • Morocco
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Togo
  • Tunisia, and
  • Uganda.
For more information, visit www.educationaboveall.org. You can also follow the EAA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor