Chemonics UK Selected to Continue Delivering Crucial Education in Northwest Syria

Chemonics UK, in partnership with Action for Humanity, Social Development Direct (SDDirect) and local Syrian organisations, will deliver the FCDO-funded Syria Education Programme II (SEP II) to 2027. SEP II (locally known as Manahel) builds on the original Syria Education Programme (SEP), which supported over 625,000 primary school children (50% girls) to attend school and learn between 2018 and 2023.

On 7 February 2024, at the official launch of SEP II, UK Special Representative for Syria, Ann Snow, said:

“In conflicts, it is essential children can still access a stable and functional education system to help them secure the necessary skills to reach their full potential. This new funding will allow our Syria Education Programme to support 100,000 young children across Northwest Syria each year.”

SEP II will continue to provide quality education that improves literacy and numeracy outcomes for students through structured pedagogy and engaging school leaders and teachers in continuous professional development. Crucially, SEP II will ensure that children in high-trauma environments are safe, protected, and their mental health and psycho-social needs addressed. Central to the Chemonics UK approach is engaging communities and caregivers to build ownership and investment in children’s education. This community buy-in ensures that teachers and caregivers work with the school system to advocate for the needs of vulnerable children and children with disabilities to better learn. With partner SDDirect, bringing their experience in gender equality and social inclusion and from leading safeguarding for the Girls Education Challenge, SEP II will train mental health and psycho-social support instructors and school-based safeguarding personnel and boost school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) prevention and response mechanisms.

In SEP II, Chemonics will implement the TEGLA (Teacher-Led Early Grade Learning Assessment) which generates actionable data about student progress in learning, well-being, and equity that teachers can use to better meet their students’ needs and that communities can use to drive school development. Chemonics piloted this approach in Rwanda, where it helped to improve reading comprehension, and has tailored it to fit the evolving needs of Northwest Syria.

Louise Quy, Managing Director of Chemonics UK, said:

“We know that quality education is key to good physical and mental health, thriving into adulthood, ensuring future employment opportunities, and ensuring a prosperous future. Chemonics UK is proud to have been chosen by the FCDO to continue the work of the Syria Education Programme. In Northwest Syria, we will build on our global education experience as well as our experience in Syria to ensure that 100,000 primary-aged have access to an inclusive education system. As noted, 2030 is fast approaching and we are falling short in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, with this award we look forward to continuing our work towards SDG 4 (Quality Education).”

For more information contact Akanshya Gurung, Senior Communications and Outreach Associate, Chemonics UK at agurung@chemonics.com or Oliver Paynel, Communications and Outreach Manager, Chemonics UK at opaynel@chemonics.com.

Banner image caption: The SEP II team and FCDO officials at the programme’s launch event on 7 February.