Overview
Eritrean refugees began seeking asylum in Ethiopia in May 2000,
following the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. There
are now over 48,000 Eritrean refugees recognized by the government
and UNHCR living in Ethiopia almost a third of whom are children
under the age of 17.
Ensuring that refugee children have access to education is a
vital part of UNHCR's work. Going to school restores a child's
sense of security and hope. It helps them to cope with the upheaval
and trauma in their lives and provides a safe space for them in the
chaos of a humanitarian crisis.
The Mai-Aini Camp in northern Ethiopia is in desperate need of
new primary school facilities as large numbers of young Eritrean
refugees continue to arrive at the camp, many of whom are on their
own.
There are now over 2,000 children of primary school age in this
camp and the existing facilities built some years ago for a school
population of 200, are woefully inadequate. Access to
education is especially important to these vulnerable children,
providing stability and security as well as improving their future
prospects.
Note: Should the funds raised exceed the amount required
to meet the immediate and longer term needs of the people in the
affected areas, Australia for UNHCR will direct donations to
our Emergency Programs for Refugees to enable us to rapidly address
future emergencies as they occur.
How we help
In 2009, UNHCR constructed 8 classrooms to accommodate
over 100 students enrolled at the time. However, the number of
students attending primary school (grades 1-8) has significantly
increased and at the beginning of the 2010/2011 academic year,
there was around 1,450 students.
The number of children attending the school, has continued to
increase and existing classrooms, both permanent and temporary,
have become overcrowded with student-to-teacher ratios reaching as
high as 77:1.
This project will provide funds to completely overhaul the
existing primary school facilities, building and furnishing 12 new
classrooms, 2 new toilet blocks, a meals centre and a multipurpose
block in the Mai-Aini camp in northern Ethiopia.
To find out more about this project and see how you can
help,click
here.
Meeting the MDGs
UNHCR is meeting the following MDG in this program:
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MDG 2: UNHCR's long-term vision is to ensure
the right to education for all people under their care by achieving
universal primary education and creating increased opportunities
for post-primary education. |
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