The Education Above All Foundation (EAA), a global education initiative, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have entered into a partnership agreement backed by the Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD). The objective of this agreement is to enhance collaboration in education and immunization initiatives within some of the world's most marginalized communities. The partnership is endorsed by a QFFD commitment spanning from 2021 to 2025, with a total funding pledge of $10 million. The signed agreement encourages coordination between EAA and Gavi in lower-income countries where EAA projects are underway, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, to reach out-of-school children and their communities.
Leena Al Derham, Director of External Relations at the Education Above All Foundation, stated, "This ceremony is not merely a formalization of our partnership but a reiteration of our shared dedication to building a brighter future for millions of children. Our collaboration with Gavi goes beyond traditional frameworks, promoting an innovative approach to addressing both education and health needs simultaneously". This partnership aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG4 (Quality Education). It underscores the interconnectedness of health and education, recognizing that children in good health are more likely to enrol in and benefit from educational opportunities.
Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao, Gavi's Chief Resource Mobilization and Growth Officer, underscored the comprehensive nature of this partnership, highlighting how the integration of education and immunization initiatives can bring about transformative changes in communities. She emphasized that the resulting synergy is particularly crucial in regions where access to both quality education and healthcare is limited. Education Above All aims to positively impact the lives of millions of marginalized children and youth through education. Accomplishing such a significant and influential goal necessitates a well-coordinated utilization of resources and human capital, working collaboratively to address challenges related to quality education and sustainable development in the world's most challenging geographical areas. This endeavour also requires focused and targeted problem-solving tailored to the local context and the needs of the communities.
