The Jesuit Refugee Service is thrilled to announce the launch of a new project aimed at increasing access to safe and quality education in conflict-affected areas of Borno State, Nigeria.

The two-year project, funded by the European Union, will be implemented in the hard-to-reach Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Dikwa and Monguno.

The communities in Dikwa and Monguno are the most affected by the protracted conflict in Borno State. Considering the ongoing armed conflict in the region, access to education has become a significant challenge for school-aged children, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host community children, especially girls, and children with disabilities.

Through this project implemented in Nigeria, JRS will reach 23,442 children with access to safe and quality education in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs. This includes 18,905 school-aged children (10,892 females, 8,013 males) who will have access to improved formal education, while 4,170 school-aged children (2,502 females, 1,668 males) will access non-formal education.

“We are excited to launch this project and make a difference in the lives of children affected by the conflict in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State,” said Jado Bernard SJ, JRS Nigeria Deputy Country Director. “Education has the power to transform communities. By providing access to a safe and quality learning environment to school-aged girls, boys, and children with disabilities, we are contributing to the future of these children and their families.”

As the project gets underway, JRS will closely collaborate with local partners, government authorities, and community stakeholders to ensure its success and sustainability.

JRS has been present in Nigeria since 2018. The NGO accompanies, serves, and advocates for forcibly displaced people and local communities by improving access to quality education, health interventions, socio-economic training, and psychosocial support.

For further information:

Jado Bernard SJ, JRS Nigeria Deputy Country Director: bernard.jado@jrs.net (+234 90 60 00 60 35)

Natalia Sepúlveda, JRS West Africa and Great Lakes Communication Officer: natalia.sepulveda@jrs.net (+237 651 92 44 65)