Education Cannot Wait (ECW)

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is a global fund dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children and youth affected by emergencies and protracted crises. Aimed at bridging the gap between immediate relief and long-term development interventions, ECW operates under a multi-year programming framework, working in close partnership with governments, donors, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. Their mission is to generate greater shared political, operational, and financial commitment to meet the educational needs of millions of crisis-affected children, focusing on a more agile and faster response.

ECW's investments are made possible through generous contributions from a variety of public and private donors. They prioritize reaching those left furthest behind, especially girls and children with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities. ECW's work spans a wide range of areas including gender equality, disability inclusion, early childhood education, forced displacement, and climate change. Their efforts are driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for building resilience, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable development.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is a global fund dedicated to providing quality education for children and adolescents affected by emergencies and protracted crises. The organization's mission is to generate greater shared political, operational, and financial commitment to meet the educational needs of millions of children and youth impacted by crises. ECW strives for faster and more agile responses that span the humanitarian-development continuum, ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable education systems. Their vision is a world where all children and youth affected by crises can learn in safety, without fear, and free of cost, so they can reach their full potential.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) promotes a collaborative and mission-driven culture focused on delivering quality education to children affected by crises. This is reflected in their commitment to partnerships with governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector, their efforts to bridge the humanitarian-development nexus, and their dedication to reaching those left furthest behind, particularly girls and children with disabilities. Their culture prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring that their efforts are impactful and sustainable.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is committed to ensuring equitable and inclusive access to quality education for all children and adolescents affected by emergencies and protracted crises, particularly prioritizing girls, forcibly displaced children, and children with disabilities. They strive to embed these principles into all aspects of their work, including programming, partnerships, and governance. ECW recognizes that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical for achieving their mission and building more resilient and equitable education systems. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in their strategic plan, policies, and practices, which aim to promote greater access, participation, and representation for all learners.