RFAs: Refugee Children and Youth Access to Education, Vocational and Recreation Support (Rwanda)

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking eligible partners to implement education and youth support programmes for refugee children and young people in Rwanda. The partnership aims to improve access to early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary education, vocational training, recreation, and career development opportunities for refugees and host communities.

Eligible organizations should have strong experience in refugee education, child protection, inclusive learning, community engagement, and programme management, with the capacity to deliver multi-level education interventions across Rwanda.

Overview of the UNHCR Rwanda Education Partnership

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified organizations to support education services for refugee children and youth in Rwanda.

The partnership focuses on creating inclusive, accessible, and protection-sensitive education opportunities for refugees at different learning stages, including:

• Early childhood education.
• Primary education.
• Secondary education.
• Special needs education.
• Higher education.
• Vocational and skills development.
• Recreation and youth support activities.

The programme aims to increase educational access, reduce barriers to learning, improve school attendance, and strengthen pathways toward employment and self-reliance.

Key Areas of Support

1. Early Childhood Development and Education

Partners will support early learning opportunities for young refugee children through:

• Strengthening early childhood education programmes.
• Increasing access to safe learning environments.
• Supporting child-centred teaching approaches.
• Improving early childhood development outcomes.

2. Primary and Secondary Education Support

The partnership will improve access to formal education through:

• Increasing school enrolment and attendance.
• Supporting children who are out of school to return to education.
• Providing school uniforms and learning materials.
• Supporting school feeding programmes.
• Strengthening education continuity for refugee learners.

3. Inclusive Education and Disability Support

Projects will promote education access for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

Activities may include:

• Identifying children requiring additional learning support.
• Providing specialised education assistance.
• Improving disability-inclusive learning environments.
• Supporting teachers working with children with special needs.

4. Teacher Recruitment and Training

Partners will support education quality by:

• Recruiting qualified teachers.
• Providing teacher training.
• Strengthening teaching capacity.
• Promoting protection-sensitive education practices.

5. Digital Learning Support

The partnership includes implementation of the ProFuturo Connected Learning Programme, which focuses on:

• Digital education access.
• Technology-supported learning.
• Innovative teaching methods.
• Improved digital skills among learners and educators.

6. Informal Education Support

The programme also supports informal education activities at the Nkamira Transit Centre, including:

• Learning support for displaced children.
• Educational activities during transition periods.
• Safe and structured learning environments.

Higher Education Support Through the DAFI Scholarship Programme

The partnership includes management of the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship programme, which supports refugee students pursuing university education.

Activities include:

• Identifying and selecting eligible students.
• Supporting university enrolment.
• Paying tuition fees.
• Providing living assistance.
• Offering psychosocial support.
• Providing career guidance.
• Supporting employability skills.
• Developing entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Facilitating internships.
• Monitoring academic progress.
• Managing the DAFI online platform.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is intended for organizations with demonstrated expertise in refugee education and youth development.

Eligible partners should have:

Technical Expertise

Organizations should demonstrate experience in:

• Refugee education programmes.
• Child protection.
• Inclusive education.
• Vocational training.
• Youth development.
• Education in emergency settings.

Operational Capacity

Applicants should have:

• Qualified technical and field staff.
• Strong programme management systems.
• Local operational presence in Rwanda.
• Community engagement experience.
• Ability to coordinate with government and humanitarian partners.

Protection and Inclusion Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience using an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach.
• Protection-sensitive programming.
• Safeguarding mechanisms.
• Accountability systems for affected communities.

Financial and Management Capacity

Organizations should have:

• Strong financial management systems.
• Risk management procedures.
• Transparent reporting mechanisms.
• Experience managing donor-funded programmes.

UN Partnership Experience

Preference may be given to organizations with experience working with:

• UNHCR.
• United Nations agencies.
• International humanitarian organizations.

Programme Objectives

The partnership aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Increased access to quality education for refugee children.
• Improved school attendance and retention.
• Greater inclusion of children with disabilities.
• Enhanced learning opportunities for vulnerable groups.
• Improved transition from education to employment.
• Increased access to higher education opportunities.
• Stronger community-based education systems.

How to Apply

Organizations interested in participating should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should confirm they have:

• Relevant education and refugee support experience.
• Required technical expertise.
• Operational capacity in Rwanda.
• Financial management systems.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Concept note.
• Budget template.
• Organizational profile.
• Supporting documentation.
• Evidence of previous programme experience.

Step 3: Submit Through UN Partner Portal

Applications must be submitted through the:

• UN Partner Portal.

Applicants should ensure all required information and documents are completed before submission.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

Sector Expertise and Experience

Reviewers will consider:

• Experience delivering refugee education programmes.
• Technical knowledge.
• Previous humanitarian education work.

Programme Management Capacity

Assessment will include:

• Implementation systems.
• Qualified staffing.
• Monitoring approaches.
• Coordination capacity.

Local Presence and Community Engagement

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Understanding of local contexts.
• Existing community relationships.
• Ability to engage refugee and host communities.

Cost Effectiveness

Reviewers will assess:

• Budget efficiency.
• Value for money.
• Contribution of partner resources.

Previous UN Experience

Experience working with:

• UNHCR.
• Other UN agencies.

will be considered an advantage.

Why This Partnership Matters

Education plays a critical role in protecting refugee children and helping young people build sustainable futures.

This initiative supports:

• Equal access to education.
• Child protection.
• Social inclusion.
• Skills development.
• Youth empowerment.
• Long-term self-reliance.

By combining formal education, digital learning, scholarships, vocational support, and psychosocial assistance, the programme creates comprehensive education pathways for refugee communities.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate refugee education experience.
• Providing unclear implementation plans.
• Weak budgeting and financial explanations.
• Lack of safeguarding measures.
• Insufficient community engagement strategies.

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Organizations should:

• Clearly explain education challenges faced by refugees.
• Present measurable outcomes.
• Highlight previous successful education projects.
• Demonstrate local partnerships.
• Include strong monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Show commitment to inclusion and protection principles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the UNHCR Rwanda Education Partnership?

It is a partnership opportunity supporting organizations to deliver education and youth development programmes for refugee children and youth in Rwanda.

2. Who can apply?

Organizations with experience in refugee education, child protection, education programming, and community engagement can apply.

3. What education levels are supported?

The programme supports early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary education, vocational training, and informal learning activities.

4. Does the programme support university students?

Yes. The partnership includes management of the DAFI scholarship programme for refugee students pursuing higher education.

5. What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a concept note, budget template, and supporting organizational documents through the UN Partner Portal.

6. What skills should implementing partners have?

Partners should have expertise in education, refugee protection, inclusive programming, financial management, and community engagement.

7. How are applications evaluated?

Applications are reviewed based on technical expertise, programme capacity, local presence, cost effectiveness, UN experience, and ability to deliver quality education services.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Rwanda Education Partnership provides an opportunity for experienced organizations to strengthen education access and support refugee children and youth through comprehensive learning programmes. By combining inclusive education, digital learning, scholarships, vocational support, and protection-focused approaches, the initiative aims to create safer and more sustainable educational opportunities for refugee communities in Rwanda.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.