Attachments
PROGRAMME SUMMARY
Mali is grappling with a prolonged crisis driven by violent conflict, widespread displacement, and recurring environmental shocks, all of which have deepened social inequalities and weakened state authority. UNHCR estimates that 7.5 million people require humanitarian assistance, more than half of whom are children. The northern and central regions are particularly affected, with severe restrictions on access to basic services and widespread violations of children’s rights, including attacks on schools. These challenges disproportionately impact women, girls, and displaced populations, heightening their vulnerability to violence, exploitation, abuse and child marriage. In the education sector, the crisis is acute. As of May 2024, 1,792 schools are deemed as non-functional due to insecurity, lack of staff, and poor infrastructure, affecting more than 537,600 children and 10,752 teachers, about 18% of all schools. This situation exacerbates existing challenges such as low literacy rates, inadequate teacher capacity, inadequate support, and high dropout rates, especially for girls; with one in two leaving school before secondary education. Compounding these challenges is the education system’s lack of capacity to plan for and respond to emergencies effectively.
Phase two of the Mali Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP-II 2024-2027) will support 204,500 children with a budget of US$ 22 million across the regions most affected by instability, e.g., Gao, Menaka, Kidal, Tombouctou (including Taoudenit), and Mopti. This strong geographical focus mirrors that of the previous MYRP and is aligned with the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan. In each location, the programme will deliver a multi-sectoral package of interventions tailored to children aged 3 to 18 facing educational and economic barriers, including girls (51%), IDPs (22%), refugees (9%), out-of-school children, and children with disabilities (10%). By rehabilitating school infrastructure, ensuring access to inclusive quality education, and strengthening crisis response capabilities of schools, local and national government and local organisations, the MYRP-II will increase the resilience of the education system and help communities adapt to new challenges. The programme’s interventions are designed around three core outcomes:
1. Girls and boys aged 3 to 18 have access to formal or non-formal education in an inclusive and protective learning environment.
2. Girls and boys aged 3 to 18 benefit from continuous, inclusive and quality education, adapted to their needs.
3. The education system has sufficient capacity to provide a rapid, adapted, coordinated and inclusive educational response to crisis.
Sustainability and localisation are central pillars of the MYRP-II. By co-creating approaches with local actors, including women-led organisations, and strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Education (MEN) departments, the programme aims to ensure that educational interventions will be responsive to local needs and sustainable over time. Looking to strengthen the nexus between humanitarian aid and long-term development interventions, the MYRP-II will drive strategic advocacy to change policy, including scaling early childhood development in crisis contexts and formalising institutional support to voluntary teachers - both of which are unique areas of support to the MYRP.
UNICEF Mali is the lead grantee, responsible for managing implementation, financial oversight, and ensuring timely progress and adaptation and will be delivering the programme through a host of implementing partners yet to be selected. The design of the MYRP-II was the product of strong collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Education Cluster with support from a diverse MYRP Development Committee. This committee included local and international organisations providing expertise on local needs, learning, MHPSS, Gender and disability inclusion.
The MYRP-II continues Mali's journey toward educational resilience, through support to the Education Cluster strategy and focusing on vulnerable children, local ownership, and sustainable programme delivery amidst ongoing conflict and displacement challenges.