UNICEF

Since the early 2000s, VSO has been working with UNICEF to promote inclusive education in a number of countries including Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda and Uganda.

In Cambodia, we have been supporting the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports Strengthening Education Management to improve management capacity, therefore improving access for children from over 70 schools to quality, well coordinated and inclusive education services.

With the support of UNICEF we have also been working towards improving child and maternal health with the Establishment of Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Ethiopia.

The positive impact of this project has been demonstrated by the three fold increase in neonatal admissions, from 4.8% to 15% of all paediatric admissions, in the first five months following the establishment of the NICU at Arbaminch Hospital.  This dramatic increase reflects the clear need that was previously unmet in the region.

The establishment of NICUs in a cost-effective and sustainable manner has received recognition as best practice by many concerned organisations including the Ministry, RHBs and EPS. As a result the project won the 2013 grand competition aware of the “Good Practice in Development.”