In an interview with Education Cannot Wait, Andrew Mitchell underscores the importance of investing in education for crisis-affected children. Mitchell also suggests the private sector could play a crucial role in helping ECW reach its $1.5-billion target.
U.K. Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, has engaged in an enlightening conversation with Education Cannot Wait, discussing the UK’s commitment to supporting education for children in crises.
During his dialogue with ECW, Mitchell emphasized the critical role of education in helping children endure crises and build better futures. The former secretary of state for international development, expressed pride in the UK’s role as ECW’s second-largest donor, contributing over $250 million so far.
Mitchell highlighted that education is often overlooked in times of crises when food and shelter take precedence. However, he stressed the importance of education in providing stability and hope for children and their families amidst dire circumstances.
In response to questions regarding the impact of climate change on education, the minister acknowledged the FCDO’s commitment to addressing this crisis. He referred to a recent FCW initiative increasing funding for First Emergency Response programs.
These are particularly aimed at combating climate-induced crises like the 2022 floods in Pakistan and ongoing droughts in Ethiopia and Somalia. Mitchell also lauded the collaborative efforts between the UK and ECW in implementing solutions to ensure access to safe schools and improved climate adaptation strategies.
The minister further highlighted the need for increased private-sector participation in achieving the UK’s development goals. He stressed the vital role of private and philanthropic organizations in helping ECW reach its $1.5-billion target to aid 20 million crisis-affected children by 2026.
Mitchell reiterated the UK’s commitment to ensuring every girl, regardless of her circumstances, receives 12 years of quality education. He acknowledged the disproportionate impact of crises on girls, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. Through their International Women and Girls Strategy, the U.K. government aims to promote girls’ access to quality education and protect them from gender-based violence, even in emergency contexts.
Mitchell acknowledged that the current efforts fall short of delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals. To change this course, he proposed strengthening the resilience of education systems, improving the coordination between humanitarian and development responses, and designing better emergency education programs.
On a personal note, Mitchell revealed that “The Bottom Billion” by Paul Collier and “An Imperfect Offering” by James Orbinski significantly influenced his understanding of international aid and development. He recommended these books to anyone working on education in crises for their invaluable insights.
