Because of wars, displacement and exile situations, millions of children and youth have lost out on their education. The NRC has made this backlog of out-of-school individuals our special target group, hoping that they will be able to enter or return to the school system, or to receive training that will enable them to secure paid work and a livelihood.

Preparing to respond rapidly to educational needs while ensuring that activities have a longer term perspective and impact, NRC always works with education authorities and communities. Acceptance by Ministries of Education and cooperation with regional and local inspectors and other staff means recognition of education programmes, and of teachers and learners receiving their certificates.

Based on general needs of war affected populations, a few generic model education programmes have been developed and are adapted to specific situations and phases.

•  Where a school system is running, a “catch-up” scheme invites children and adolescents above 10 to join for a year before transferring to a grade corresponding better to their age and competence level than starting first grade.
  
• Where there is no school, Accelerated Learning Programmes may be established as a temporary measure to allow “over-aged” children and adolescents to complete basic education in half the normal time.
  
• Many young people above 14 will not be able to enter and complete an ordinary full time primary school. A one-year Youth Education Pack has been developed, offering literacy, life skills and vocational skills training for improved self-reliance and livelihood for the youth.

Training of Trainers and of Teachers is the most important aspect of any education programme. In addition to pre-service training, teachers are supported by in-service training and monitoring, and their competence and capacity will be key resource persons for the rehabilitation of schools.