Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The United Nations Children’s Fund is inviting applications to strengthen continuity of education for children affected by conflict, disasters, and emergencies in Colombia. The program focuses on resilient school systems, emergency preparedness, and ensuring uninterrupted learning in high-risk regions.
It targets vulnerable departments impacted by armed conflict and climate-related hazards, aiming to protect children’s education and wellbeing.
What is the UNICEF Education in Emergencies Initiative?
This initiative supports education systems that can withstand crises and continue delivering learning opportunities during emergencies.
It focuses on:
- Continuity of education during disruptions
- Emergency preparedness in schools
- Protection and wellbeing of children and adolescents
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Ensure uninterrupted access to education during crises
- Strengthen resilience of school systems
- Improve emergency response capacity
- Support children in conflict-affected and disaster-prone areas
Geographic Focus
The initiative is implemented across high-risk regions in Colombia, including:
- Cauca
- La Guajira
- Chocó
- Arauca
- Guainía
- Córdoba
- Norte de Santander
These areas face:
- Armed conflict and violence
- Climate-related disasters
- Limited access to education services
Key Focus Areas
1. Education in Emergencies
- Ensuring learning continuity during crises
- Alternative learning approaches
2. School Preparedness
- Emergency response plans
- Safe and resilient infrastructure
3. Climate and Disaster Resilience
- Addressing floods, droughts, and storms
- Adapting education systems to climate risks
4. Child Protection & Wellbeing
- Safe learning environments
- Psychosocial support
5. Capacity Building
Why This Initiative Matters
Children in crisis-affected regions face severe disruptions to education.
This program helps:
- Protect the right to education
- Reduce long-term learning loss
- Build resilience in vulnerable communities
- Support recovery and stability
Who Should Apply?
Eligible applicants typically include:
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- Education-focused institutions
- Organizations with experience in:
- Education in emergencies
- Child protection
- Disaster risk reduction
- Community engagement
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to achieve:
- Continuous access to education during emergencies
- Improved school preparedness and response systems
- Strengthened teacher and community capacity
- Enhanced protection and wellbeing of children
- Climate-resilient education systems
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review Requirements
- Align with UNICEF’s education and emergency priorities
- Develop Proposal
- Define activities, outcomes, and impact
- Highlight Experience
- Demonstrate expertise in education and emergencies
- Submit Application
- Follow United Nations Children’s Fund guidelines
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Relevance to program objectives
- Technical expertise and experience
- Feasibility and clarity of approach
- Capacity to operate in high-risk areas
- Expected impact on children and communities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on practical, scalable solutions
- Demonstrate experience in crisis contexts
- Include clear monitoring and evaluation plans
- Highlight community and teacher engagement
- Address both conflict and climate risks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring local context and risks
- Weak emergency preparedness strategy
- Lack of measurable outcomes
- Overly broad or unrealistic proposals
- Incomplete documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is leading the initiative?
The United Nations Children’s Fund.
2. Where is the program implemented?
Across multiple high-risk regions in Colombia.
3. What is the main goal?
To ensure continuity of education during emergencies.
4. What types of risks are addressed?
Armed conflict, natural disasters, and climate-related hazards.
5. Who can apply?
Organizations experienced in education, emergencies, and community engagement.
6. What outcomes are expected?
Resilient education systems and uninterrupted learning.
7. Why is climate resilience important?
Because extreme weather increasingly disrupts education systems.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Colombia Education in Emergencies Initiative is a critical effort to safeguard education in crisis-affected regions.
By strengthening resilience, preparedness, and response systems, the program ensures that children can continue learning safely despite conflict and environmental challenges.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
