Two Activities Consolidated for Better Results

USAID is addressing the urgent educational needs of conflict-affected children in Yemen, where the ongoing nine-year conflict, economic decline, and crumbling education infrastructure have hindered access to education. USAID partnered with Save the Children International (SCI) on two education activities: Education in Emergencies and Gateway to Education. However, overlapping interventions, budget reductions, and coordination issues prompted the need for a streamlined approach. To resolve these challenges, virtual and in-person meetings were held between USAID, SCI, and the Yemeni Ministry of Education (MoE). These discussions focused on resolving concerns related to coordination, activity overlap, implementation costs, and declining results. The meetings allowed for open discussion, identified challenges, and developed a shared vision.

USAID and the MoE committed to increased collaboration through monthly bilateral meetings to enhance communication and trust. Budget reductions led USAID to consider options such as reducing both awards, terminating one early, or merging them into a streamlined implementation structure. Merging the awards was seen as the best way to maximize impact. USAID worked with the MoE and SCI to integrate the two activities and developed a joint program description to ensure uninterrupted services for children. The integration avoided gaps in vital services provided by USAID. The consolidated approach improved organizational effectiveness, streamlined interventions and reporting, and optimized resource allocation. The adoption of this sustainable model helped obtain MoE buy-in and created a greater impact at the school and classroom level. In the upcoming 18 months, the consolidated activity will directly support an estimated 201,300 beneficiaries, including 195,000 grade 1-6 formal education students and 5,000 non-formal Grades 1-8 students, train 1,497 teachers and head teachers, support 2,700 parents and community members, and build the capacity of 600 Ministry of education staff.