East Region: KOICA, UNICEF expand partnership to strengthen access to education.

The project is titled: “Improving Children's Access To Education through Strengthened Education, Water and Sanitation, and Child Protection Services in the East Region of Cameroon”. 

The ambitious partnership spans 2025 to 2028. Aside the goal of enhancing access to quality education aims, it also aims at significantly improving the well-being of children in the East Region as well as child protection services, and water and sanitation.

Per the project, targeted schools are expected to, by 2028, offer safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments, enabling children to thrive academically and socially. 

The project will also expand access to vital social and child protection services, ensuring that children and adolescents benefit from stronger support systems that safeguard their rights and promote their development.

The new agreement, officials said, builds on a long-standing partnership between KOICA and UNICEF, rooted in a shared vision of social justice and sustainable development.

The Head of KOICA Cameroon Office, Sangchul Kim, said the agency has over the years played a significant role in advancing children’s rights in Cameroon by supporting impactful initiatives that improve the lives of the most vulnerable children.

“The Republic of Korea, through KOICA, is proud to support this project, which aligns with our vision of inclusive and sustainable development. We firmly believe that every child and deserves a fair chance,” Sangchul Kim. 

On her part, the UNICEF Representative in Cameroon, Nadine Perrault, said the “partnership with KOICA marks a major milestone in our joint commitment to uphold the fundamental rights of children in Cameroon”. Perrault said UNICEF will, with the support from KOICA, “be able to reach more children and offer them a brighter future”. 

The Governor of the East Region, Grégoire Mvongo, on behalf of the population and the government, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and KOICA fort the “continuous support provided for the achievement of children’s rights and their wellbeing”.

The project, it should be said, will be implemented in close collaboration with local authorities, communities, and technical partners. 

It is expected to bring meaningful and lasting improvements to the lives of children by enhancing their access to education, protection, and essential services, while also strengthening the resilience and well-being of the communities they live in.

About UNICEF

UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child; in everything we do. It works in 190 countries and territories around the world with our partners to turn this commitment into practical action, with a special focus on reaching the most vulnerable and marginalized children, for the benefit of all children, everywhere.

About KOICA

The Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA, is a South Korean government agency established in 1991 to implement the government's grant aid and technical cooperation programs for developing countries. 

KOICA focuses on promoting sustainable socio-economic development and global issues through diverse projects in sectors like health, education, governance, agriculture, and climate change.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3551 of Monday September 01, 2025