The programme to support the transition from primary to secondary education in CAR sees the day

Bangui, Central African Republic, 18th October 2023 – The programme to support the transition from primary to secondary education in the Central African Republic, supported by the European Union, was launched this Wednesday, in Kaga Bandoro, by the Minister of National Education, Mr Aboubakar Moukadas-Noure, in the presence of the Head of Cooperation of the EU delegation in CAR, Mr Wim Jozef Vandenbroucke, and UNICEF Deputy Representative, Mr Abdoulaye Seye.

This contribution aims at improving the access of children to primary education, the transition from primary to secondary education for children and adolescents and enhancing teaching quality and the earning monitoring tools, including the alternative teaching methods.  

In his speech, the Minister of National Education said that supporting the education sector is a lever for the development of the Central African Republic. He thanked the European Union and UNICEF for helping the government in its efforts to reinforce human capital through education, adding that this project will meet the expectations and needs of the population.  

The Head of Cooperation of the EU delegation in CAR expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome. He spoke about the fundamental importance of education for all, stressing its essential role in the development of children and the advancement of the nation. He added: "This project focuses on supporting the children in the most vulnerable conditions, particularly those living with disabilities, by offering them specific support to continue their education. I'm delighted that through our contribution, families will benefit from assistance in obtaining their children's birth certificates, thus facilitating their participation in exams and their pursuit of secondary education".

For his part, Mr Seye thanked the European Union for the generous contribution of EUR 20 million to support the education of children in the Central African Republic: «To invest in education is the best means to guarantee peace, stability and a bright future in this country and ensure its development. Thanks to the confidence of our partner, the European Union, we shall continue to make of education an absolute priority to ensure better prospects for our children».

This programme, that’s aligned with the Sectorial Plan of Education 2020-2029 which was elaborated by the Ministry of National Education, will benefit from now until 2026, more than 60,000 children, including girls with some specific vulnerabilities and children with disabilities in ten districts across the country. It will allow for various interventions to take place in 150 schools through a holistic package of activities and is expected to reinforce the engagement of the communities around schools.  

For more information on the programme : Appui à la transition des enfants de l’enseignement primaire au secondaire en RCA | UNICEF

About the European Union in CAR

The Delegation of the European Union to the Central African Republic is the official representation of the European Union (EU) in the country. It has played a diplomatic role since 1957 and acquired full diplomatic status in 2009 following the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Currently headed by Ambassador Douglas Darius Carpenter, the Delegation also represents the EU at the Commission of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and works closely with other delegations and diplomatic missions of EU member states.

About UNICEF in CAR

UNICEF works hand in hand with the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to promote the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we support the more vulnerable and excluded children, particularly to help them have access to health care, nutrition, clean water, and quality education. We help them grow protected against violence and exploitation, so that they may develop their full capacities as active citizens in their communities.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org

Follow UNICEF in RCA on http://www.unicef.org/car, Facebook et Twitter

For further information or to request an interview, kindly contact :

Salwa Moussa, Chief of Communication & Advocacy +23670009706, samoussa@unicef.org