The European Union provides €6 million to support access to quality education for Afghan Children with Save the Children

Kabul, Afghanistan – September 08, 2025 – The European Union has signed a new EUR 6 million Grant Agreement with Save the Children to launch the “Facilitating Access to Knowledge, Hope, and Education Resilience (FAKHAR)” initiative. This new funding will help provide safe, inclusive, gender-responsive, and uninterrupted quality learning opportunities for Afghan boys and girls, particularly those out-of-school, living with disabilities or from vulnerable groups.

The project will improve access to safe, inclusive, and quality learning opportunities for Afghan children. It will establish community-based schools and early childhood centres, providing essential classroom materials and library books. This initiative will also enhance children’s literacy, numeracy and social skills while engaging local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of these educational efforts.

Veronika Boskovic Pohar, EU Chargée d’Affaires to Afghanistan says, “This grant agreement is yet another testament to the European Union's unwavering commitment to the children of Afghanistan. We believe that every child, regardless of gender or circumstance, has the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment. By focusing on girls, this initiative with will not only improve educational opportunities but also foster hope for the wellbeing of a nation. After all, an educated generation is the key to building a better future for the country.”

Over its 36-month duration, the FAKHR initiative will focus on three key outcomes: improving access to safe learning for children, enhancing their core academic and socio-emotional skills, and increasing community involvement to ensure long-term sustainability. The project will achieve this through activities like establishing community-based schools, providing essential learning materials, and supporting green-school initiatives.

Melkamu Kassa, Save the Children Country Director says “I want to express my sincere thanks to the donors and supporters who have made it possible for Save the Children to remain the leading child-focused organization in Afghanistan. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to support and protect the children of Afghanistan because every child deserves the chance to fulfill their potential. We believe that every child has the right to access quality education in a safe and peaceful environment. Save the Children in Afghanistan provides quality primary education by working closely with national and international stakeholders, communities, and families to ensure access, inclusion, and effectiveness, especially for girls, children with disabilities, and those who are vulnerable and lack access to education.”

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Press of European Union Delegation to Afghanistan

DELEGATION-AFGHANISTAN-PRESS@eeas.europa.eu 

Nafisa Rahimi

Communications Manager, Save the Children Afghanistan

Nafisa.rahimi@savethechildren.org