The Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) has canvassed urgent support for children living in emergencies in Nigeria.
Ifedinma Nwigwe, INEE’s Country Focal Point for Nigeria, and Executive Director of Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, made this call at the 25th Anniversary of INEE held in Geneva, Switzerland, recently.
The event was hosted by the Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies (EiE Hub) in Colombia, Switzerland, and moderated by the Executive Director of the Geneva Global Hub, Petra Heusser.
Nwigwe stressed that many were still unable to access education. She highlighted Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation’s interventions across Nigeria, noting that the Foundation had established Transition Learning Centres that cater to children affected by emergencies.
“We use the INEE minimum standards to set up our programmes, making them as holistic as possible. Children in emergencies need more than academics. They require psychosocial support to address trauma that has become almost permanent in their communities,” she stated.
She also underscored the strong partnerships the Foundation built with parents, teachers, and host communities, noting that such collaborations had greatly enhanced their education support programmes.
She expressed deep appreciation to INEE for continually providing platforms where members’ voices are heard and for providing essential resources to strengthen learning interventions globally.
Nwigwe encouraged INEE to sustain its efforts and expressed hope for a stronger partnership in the years ahead.
She affirmed Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation’s commitment to working closely with international partners, leveraging shared knowledge and resources to advance educational support for vulnerable children in Nigeria.
