Deadline: 26-Mar-2026
UNICEF is inviting organizations in Syria to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to deliver non-formal education services for out-of-school children and those at risk of dropping out. The programme will focus on Quneitra, Daraa, and As-Suwayda and support learning recovery, reintegration into formal education, teacher capacity-building, and safe learning environments.
About the Opportunity
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has launched this call to strengthen access to education for children affected by conflict and prolonged disruption in Syria.
The initiative targets children who are:
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Out of school
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At risk of dropping out
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Facing barriers linked to:
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Conflict
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Displacement
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Economic hardship
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Insecurity
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Psychological distress
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The programme is aligned with key education priorities in Syria and aims to restore learning opportunities in vulnerable communities.
Focus Areas
The call supports interventions across the following education priorities:
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Early Childhood Development
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General Education
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Education in Emergencies
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Out-of-School Education
Target Locations
Activities will be implemented in selected governorates of Syria:
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Quneitra
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Daraa
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As-Suwayda
What the Programme Will Support
The proposed intervention is built around a broad non-formal education model to help children return to learning and, where possible, transition back into formal schooling.
Key activities may include:
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Establishing safe learning centres
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Strengthening the capacity of teachers and educators
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Delivering Self-Learning Programmes
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Providing Remedial Classes
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Supporting Digital Learning
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Running Back-to-Learning campaigns
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Implementing Early Childhood Education activities
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Preparing students for national examinations
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Using pre- and post-testing to identify and reduce learning gaps
Additional Child Support Components
The programme also includes broader child development and protection elements, such as:
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Psychosocial support
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Life skills development
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Social cohesion activities
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Awareness on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)
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Climate change awareness
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Environmental protection and resilience-building activities
These components are intended to support both academic recovery and overall well-being.
School Rehabilitation Component
Where needed, proposals may also include:
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Light rehabilitation
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Moderate rehabilitation
This applies to damaged school facilities in targeted communities to help restore safe and functional learning spaces and encourage children to return to school.
Expected Results
By the end of the project, UNICEF expects outcomes such as:
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Improved literacy and numeracy
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Better learning retention
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Increased reintegration into formal education
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Stronger community awareness on the value of education
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Greater awareness of environmental responsibility
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Improved local support for sustained learning
Community Engagement
Community participation is an important part of the intervention.
Activities may involve:
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Parents
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Local education personnel
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Youth groups
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Community awareness campaigns
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Capacity-building workshops
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Community-led support initiatives
This is meant to create a more stable and supportive environment for children’s long-term education.
Who Should Apply?
This call is suited for organizations that can deliver education programming in emergency or fragile settings, especially those with experience in:
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Non-formal education
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Child protection-linked education programming
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Teacher training
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Community mobilization
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Learning recovery
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School rehabilitation in crisis contexts
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Education reintegration support
Why This Opportunity Matters
This is a strong opportunity for education-focused organizations working in Syria because it supports both learning access and system recovery.
It combines:
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Non-formal education delivery
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Reintegration into formal schooling
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Teacher capacity development
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Child well-being support
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Community engagement
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Possible school rehabilitation
That makes it especially relevant for organizations with integrated education and protection experience.
FAQs
1. What is UNICEF looking for in this call?
UNICEF is seeking organizations to provide non-formal education services for out-of-school children and those at risk of dropping out in selected areas of Syria.
2. Which areas are covered?
The programme will be implemented in:
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Quneitra
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Daraa
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As-Suwayda
3. What kinds of education activities are included?
Activities may include:
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Self-Learning Programmes
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Remedial Classes
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Digital Learning
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Back-to-Learning campaigns
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Early Childhood Education
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Exam preparation support
4. Does the project include psychosocial and life skills support?
Yes. The initiative includes:
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Psychosocial support
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Life skills
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Social cohesion
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PSEA awareness
5. Can proposals include school rehabilitation?
Yes. Proposals may include light or moderate rehabilitation of damaged school facilities where relevant.
6. What is the main goal of the programme?
The main goal is to help children return to learning, improve literacy and numeracy, and support their reintegration into formal education.
Conclusion
This UNICEF EOI in Syria offers an important opportunity for organizations working in education and child-focused humanitarian response.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.