On World Teachers' Day, UNICEF in Algeria thanks DG ECHO for its new decisive contribution to improving the quality of education in Sahrawi refugee camps

TINDOUF and ALGIERS, October 5, 2025 — On World Teachers' Day, the UNICEF country office in Algeria thanks the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) for its contribution to the humanitarian education program in Sahrawi refugee camps. This support comes at a time when the global education community is mobilizing to address an unprecedented crisis in the teaching profession.

The new strategic contribution from DG ECHO is worth €500,000 and will support a program that focuses on expanding access to education, improving teaching quality, and strengthening school governance and community engagement.

This contribution directly addresses the urgent need for greater investment in teachers and inclusive learning environments, aligning with the theme of this year's World Teachers' Day: " Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession."

The program will provide quarterly incentives essential to retaining more than 1,200 Sahrawi education staff, including teachers, school principals, and educational staff. These payments aim to address chronic underpayment and high attrition rates, while boosting morale and retention. At the same time, capacity-building initiatives will enable educators to lead inclusive, multigrade classrooms and engage in peer learning and collaborative planning.

Supporting learners and families

To reduce financial barriers to education, the grant will fund the distribution of essential school supplies to approximately 40,000 children, including those with disabilities and from low-income households. The supplies are tailored to different levels of education to ensure that no child is excluded due to a lack of resources.

Strengthening Collaborative Leadership in Schools

T The initiative will test participatory models of school governance through a pilot phase in 10 elementary schools, encouraging the joint design of school improvement plans that reflect community priorities. School principals will receive training to lead with transparency and shared accountability, fostering environments where teachers, parents, and students collaborate to improve academic outcomes.

Data-driven planning and early intervention

UNICEF will support the development of a new five-year education strategy and establish an early warning system at the school level to identify and support children at risk of dropping out. These tools will improve evidence-based decision-making and ensure timely interventions.

On World Teachers' Day, Katarina Johansson, UNICEF Representative in Algeria, said: "UNICEF expresses its deep gratitude to DG ECHO for its renewed and transformative support. Together, we are investing in the teachers we need for the education we want in order to build a future where every child can thrive in safe, inclusive, and resilient schools."