Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is launching a partnership in Mauritania to integrate refugee camp schools into the national education system and improve access to inclusive, equitable, and quality education. The initiative focuses on strengthening education systems, improving learning outcomes, supporting higher education access, and enhancing education data systems for refugees and host communities, particularly in Mbera camp and urban areas. It aims to transition from parallel education structures toward full integration into national systems by 2030.
Overview of the UNHCR Education Integration Initiative in Mauritania
The initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees focuses on improving education access and quality for refugees in Mauritania while aligning refugee education with the national education system.
It supports both refugees and host communities, with a strong emphasis on:
- System integration
- Education quality improvement
- Equity and inclusion
- Institutional strengthening
- Long-term sustainability
The long-term vision is full integration of refugee learners into national education systems by 2030.
Context: Education Challenges in Refugee-Hosting Areas
Mauritania hosts a large refugee population, primarily from Mali, including communities in Mbera camp and urban settlements. This creates significant pressure on education systems.
Key challenges include:
- Overcrowded schools in refugee-hosting areas
- Parallel education structures outside national systems
- Limited access to secondary and higher education
- Gender disparities in education access
- High dropout rates among vulnerable children
- Weak education data systems for refugees
- Limited institutional capacity for integration
These challenges require coordinated system-wide reform.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
Integration into the National Education System
The programme supports the transition from parallel systems to national integration by:
- Aligning refugee schools with national standards
- Including camp schools in the national school map
- Strengthening Ministry-led education governance
- Harmonizing curriculum and teaching standards
- Supporting sustainable system integration
Access to Primary and Secondary Education
The initiative improves access and retention through:
- School enrollment support for refugee children
- Community engagement for school attendance
- Targeted support for vulnerable learners
- Focus on girls’ education and out-of-school youth
- Reducing barriers to school participation
Quality of Teaching and Learning
Improving education quality includes:
- Teacher training and capacity building
- Improved learning environments
- Curriculum alignment with national standards
- Support for teaching materials and resources
- Strengthening school management systems
Education Data Systems (EMIS-R Strengthening)
A key component is strengthening the Refugee Education Information System (EMIS-R):
- Integration with national Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)
- Regular updating of refugee student data
- Improved education planning and forecasting
- Evidence-based decision-making for education policy
- Coordination with the Ministry of Education
Higher Education Access and Scholarships
The programme expands opportunities for refugee youth through:
- Support for university admissions
- Assistance with administrative procedures
- Academic counseling and guidance
- Support for DAFI scholarship selection
- Partnerships with higher education institutions
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund scholarship programme is a key pathway for refugee students.
Youth Development and Professional Integration
The initiative supports transition from education to employment through:
- Internship and skills development programmes
- Career guidance and mentoring
- Tracking academic and career progress
- Partnerships with vocational institutions
- Strengthening employability of refugee youth
Protection and Inclusion in Education
The programme reduces protection risks by:
- Supporting safe learning environments
- Reducing dropout risks among vulnerable groups
- Addressing gender barriers in education
- Ensuring inclusive access for children with special needs
- Promoting equitable education for all learners
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens national education systems
- Reduces inequality between refugees and host communities
- Improves long-term integration prospects
- Enhances youth employability and social inclusion
- Builds sustainable education governance structures
It shifts education from a parallel humanitarian model to a nationally integrated, sustainable system.
Expected Outcomes
If successfully implemented, the programme will result in:
- Full integration of refugee schools into national systems
- Improved access to quality education for refugee children
- Better education data and planning systems
- Increased enrollment in secondary and higher education
- Stronger teacher capacity and learning outcomes
- Greater inclusion of girls and vulnerable learners
- Improved transition from education to employment
Implementation Approach
Step 1: System Assessment
Evaluate education gaps, school capacity, and integration needs.
Step 2: Policy and Institutional Alignment
Work with government to align refugee education with national standards.
Step 3: School Integration
Include camp and refugee schools in national education frameworks.
Step 4: Capacity Building
Train teachers, administrators, and education authorities.
Step 5: Data System Strengthening
Integrate EMIS-R with national education data systems.
Step 6: Higher Education and Transition Support
Support scholarships, university access, and career pathways.
Key Challenges Addressed
- Fragmented education systems
- Limited access to higher education
- Gender and vulnerability-based disparities
- Weak education data systems
- Overcrowded and under-resourced schools
- Barriers to national system integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this programme?
To integrate refugee education into Mauritania’s national education system while improving access, quality, and equity.
Who is implementing the initiative?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in partnership with the Government of Mauritania.
Which areas are targeted?
Mbera camp, urban refugee areas, and surrounding host communities.
What is EMIS-R?
A refugee education information system that will be linked with the national education management system for better planning.
How does it support higher education?
Through scholarships, academic guidance, university access support, and partnerships with institutions.
What is the role of DAFI?
The Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative Fund supports scholarships for refugee higher education students.
What is the long-term goal?
Full integration of refugee learners into Mauritania’s national education system by 2030.
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees education initiative in Mauritania strengthens inclusive and sustainable education systems by integrating refugee schools into national frameworks. By improving access, quality, data systems, and higher education pathways, it ensures long-term educational equity and supports the successful integration of refugee children and youth into national systems by 2030.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.