CFPs: Enhancing Education, Protection, and Social Services for Children in Hiiraan (Somalia)

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

UNICEF Somalia is implementing a multi-sectoral program to improve child protection, education, and social policy outcomes for vulnerable children, adolescents, and women. The initiative focuses on inclusion, gender equality, disaster preparedness, mental health, and access to justice, targeting over 300,000 beneficiaries through education, social protection, and child protection services in 2026–2027.

Overview

UNICEF Somalia is rolling out a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing child protection, education, and social policy systems for vulnerable children, adolescents, and women. The program addresses the needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises, displacement, and socio-economic challenges, ensuring access to inclusive, quality, and rights-based services.

Programme Objectives

The program focuses on:

• Child Protection – Case management, family reunification, protection against violence, abuse, and exploitation, and psychosocial support

• Education – Early childhood development, primary and secondary education, vocational and out-of-school education, digital learning, and resilient education systems

• Social Policy – Inclusive social safety nets, child-friendly justice systems, gender-responsive services, and government planning using child poverty data

Key cross-cutting themes include disability and inclusion, emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction, gender equality and women empowerment, and social policy advocacy.

Who Can Benefit

The program targets:

• Children and adolescents, especially girls, children with disabilities, and internally displaced persons (IDPs)

• Women and girls at risk of harmful practices or gender-based violence

• Communities affected by humanitarian crises, conflict, and displacement

Expected Results 2026–2027

• Education:

  • 76,000 children and adolescents access quality education

  • 11,000 children receive early learning in integrated and Quranic schools

  • 60,000 primary-aged children benefit from higher-quality education and digital learning

  • 5,000 adolescents receive marketable skills training

• Child Protection and MHPSS:

  • 120,000 children affected by violence, exploitation, abuse, or neglect receive support from health, social work, or law enforcement services

  • 120,000 children in conflict zones receive psychosocial care and family reunification

  • 54,000 children receive child or family benefits through government social protection systems

• Girls and Women Empowerment:

  • 4,800 adolescent girls and young women acquire life and work skills

  • Enhanced access to gender-responsive services and community support

• Civil Registration and Governance:

  • 60,000 children’s births will be registered

  • 12 local governments coordinate basic services reflecting community priorities

How the Program Works

1. Child Protection: Implement case management, MHPSS, and family reunification services, focusing on vulnerable children and families

2. Education: Strengthen early childhood, primary, secondary, and vocational education systems; integrate digital learning and resilient infrastructure

3. Social Policy and Governance: Support federal, state, and district governments in shock-responsive social protection, equitable service delivery, and rights-based law implementation

4. Gender Equality: Empower girls and women through life skills, community support, and access to safe and responsive services

5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Track program impact on children and women, ensuring results-oriented interventions and effective resource allocation

Why This Program Matters

• Protects vulnerable children and strengthens child protection systems in crisis settings

• Ensures inclusive, equitable, and quality education for children and adolescents

• Builds resilient social protection systems that respond to shocks and emergencies

• Promotes gender equality and empowerment of girls and women

• Supports evidence-based governance through child-focused data and planning

Tips for Engagement or Partnership

• Align with UNICEF’s child protection, education, or social policy technical standards

• Focus on inclusive, rights-based approaches addressing emergency and crisis contexts

• Ensure measurable outcomes for children, adolescents, and women

• Collaborate with local governments, communities, and other implementing partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is targeted by this program?

Vulnerable children, adolescents, IDPs, and women, particularly those at risk of violence, exploitation, or exclusion.

2. What sectors are covered?

Child protection, education, social policy, gender equality, disability inclusion, and emergency preparedness.

3. How many children are expected to benefit?

Over 300,000 children and adolescents, including early learners, primary-aged students, and conflict-affected children.

4. What types of education support are provided?

Early childhood, primary, secondary, vocational education, out-of-school learning, and digital learning programs.

5. How does the program support girls and women?

Through life and work skills training, gender-responsive services, community support, and prevention of harmful practices.

6. How are local governments involved?

12 local governments coordinate basic services, implement social protection programs, and reflect community priorities.

7. How does UNICEF ensure impact?

Through measurable outcomes, monitoring, community engagement, technical alignment, and coordination with local and national authorities.

Conclusion

UNICEF Somalia’s multi-sectoral program provides comprehensive support to children, adolescents, and women affected by crises. By integrating child protection, education, and social policy, the initiative strengthens resilient systems, empowers vulnerable populations, and ensures inclusive, rights-based services for long-term impact in Somalia.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.