Canada announces support for Phase II of Refugee Education Council
News release
June 14, 2024 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Refugees and displaced people, particularly girls, are disproportionately impacted by the current global education crisis and are in urgent need of improved access to high quality education.
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced funding of $450,000 over 3 years (2023 to 2026) to support Phase II of the Refugee Education Council (REC).
The REC is an advisory body hosted by World Vision Canada that comprises 12 youths from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America who have been affected by forced displacement and are working to increase access to quality education in their communities.
The REC provides strategic advice to Global Affairs Canada on education for refugee, displaced and community children and youths. REC members also participate in key global education forums to add their voices of lived experience on the international stage. They also work across various sectors to achieve the meaningful integration of refugees in international decision making on education.
Minister Hussen made the funding announcement at the REC’s official launch event, organized by World Vision Canada in partnership with Frontlines, a non-governmental organization for youth in Toronto. The event brought together youths, advocates for refugees and people who are displaced, and representatives from Canadian civil society.
Quotes
“The voices of displaced youth are crucial to shaping more resilient and inclusive education systems for all affected by forced displacement. The Refugee Education Council plays a key role in influencing decision makers on providing programs that equip and secure sustainable futures for refugee children and youth, especially girls and young women, so that they can reach their full potential.”
- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
Quick facts
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The REC was initiated in 2021 in partnership with the Canadian International Education Policy Working Group as part of Canada’s international Together for Learning campaign to support education for refugees and other forcibly displaced and host community children and youth.
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According to Education Cannot Wait, in 2022 there were 222 million crisis-affected children and adolescents in need of education support.
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Based on the 2018 G7 Charlevoix Declaration and the Together for Learning campaign, Canada has prioritized access to safe, inclusive and quality education for all with a focus on the most marginalized in crisis settings, including girls and refugee, displaced and host community children and youths.
Associated links
Contacts
Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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