The World Bank has approved a significant project aimed at improving education and job opportunities for young people in Chad and Mauritania. The Sahel Regional Engagement for Learning and Collaboration in Education (RELANCE) initiative involves a $137.15 million investment, combining International Development Association credits with grants from the Sahel and West African Coastal Countries Umbrella Multi-donor Trust Fund.
This effort addresses the pressing issues in the Central Sahel, where a third of youth are not engaged in education, employment, or training. Alarmingly, 94% of 10-year-olds struggle to read age-appropriate texts. In Chad, 57% of primary-aged children are out of school, while 45% of secondary-aged youth in Mauritania face the same situation.
RELANCE seeks to build resilience and inclusivity by establishing a regional education institute focused on research, training educators, and providing policy advice. This institute aims to benefit at least 1,500 education professionals across both nations.
The project introduces an "Open School" model targeting 850,000 out-of-school nomadic youth and refugees, half of whom are girls. This model combines vocational training with hybrid learning formats to maintain educational continuity despite challenges. The emphasis is on resilient learning centers that incorporate energy-efficient infrastructure.
Franz Drees-Gross from the World Bank highlighted the potential impact: "The Open School model is groundbreaking and has the potential to revolutionize education and employment opportunities for vulnerable youth." He added that collaboration between Chad and Mauritania would enhance efficiency and reduce redundant efforts.
A key component of RELANCE is promoting gender equality through interventions that address disparities faced by women. Strategies include increasing girls' enrollment through financial incentives for high-achievers and developing gender-sensitive curricula.
"This project is a game-changer for Chad and Mauritania," stated Waly Wane from the World Bank. He emphasized the dual focus on education and job skills as essential for empowering young people to contribute positively to their communities.