EAA Foundation and Asian Development Bank Sign Agreement for $250 Million to Advance Education and Skills Development for Youth
The collaboration aims to support marginalised children and youth in developing countries in Asia and the Pacific through a comprehensive approach spanning primary education, skills, tertiary education to employment, leveraging EAA Foundation’s diverse programmes and ADB’s extensive resources.
The partnership focuses on addressing barriers to education such as poverty, discrimination, conflict, challenging geographies, and climate change. EAA Foundation will commit to supporting education of out of school children (OOSC), youth and learning for climate action in schools, post secondary education, and skills development for jobs, with particular emphasis on green skills for youth capacity development for climate action, green jobs, and green entrepreneurship.
The agreement will place renewed emphasis on support for post-secondary and university education, in addition to employability and skills development training, with the ultimate outcome of securing employment and self-employment for youth (18-35) across multiple economic sectors, including job placement and enterprise development.
Mohammed Al Kubaisi, Acting CEO of EAA Foundation, said: “Our partnership with the ADB marks a pivotal moment in advancing education and skills development for those who need it most. By combining ADB’s expertise and resources with our commitment to empowering vulnerable communities, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that enable beneficiaries to unlock their full potential. Together, we aim to provide not only access to education but also the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. This collaboration is an important step in building a more inclusive, resilient future for all."
ADB Vice-President for Sectors and Themes Fatima Yasmin, said: “Every child and youth deserves the right to education and skills that will help them thrive in future jobs and this expanded partnership will make a tangible impact in the lives of vulnerable children, including refugees and those internally displaced,” said Ms. Yasmin. “By working with the EAA Foundation, we can help to realize a more inclusive future for young people in our region through access to quality education.”
EAA Foundation and ADB have previously collaborated on impactful initiatives including the Primary Education Development Programme (PDEP) initiative in Bangladesh, which sought to provide high quality education to 650 000 out of school children, fostering an inclusive, and equitable educational system. In Pakistan, both organisations through the Integrated Social Protection Development Programme aim to enrol 960,000 out of school children and enhance access to quality education.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Patience Rusare
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parusare@eaa.org.qa
+974-5993-1560
Mohamed Al-Amri
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msalih@eaa.org.qa
+974-5000-9960
