Children's Policy and Funding Initiative
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Donors >
      • Dan Lauer, GHR
      • Vicky Rateau, Oak
      • Anonymous Donor
    • Secretariat >
      • Kelly Case
      • Alex Arriaga
      • Emily Davis
    • Grants
    • Contact us
  • Resources
    • Child/Youth Centered
    • USG Top Priority
    • US Government Initiatives
    • Expert Publications
    • Coalitions
    • Calendar
    • Newsletter
  • Youth Alliance
  • Member Log In
    • Internal Advocacy & Research Materials >
      • Legislation Watch
      • US Budget
      • QFRs
      • Transition Memos
      • USG Implementation Plans
    • Submit Materials

Newsletter

The Weekly Pulse

News From Organizations and Coalitions in Advocacy for Children and Young People Globally
Picture
Vol. 118: READ Reauthorization Act Reintroduced, PLAN International Report, & Education in Emergencies Event

​January 30, 2023
QUICK SUMMARY

The READ Act Reauthorization (H. Res. ___) was introduced for the International Day of Education in the Senate by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and  Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). The bipartisan congressional resolution reaffirms U.S. support for access to education globally in the House by Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The READ Reauthorization Act calls for:
  • The U.S. Government to integrate education in all humanitarian response efforts, both bilateral and multilateral;
  • The U.S. Government to meet its various commitments to international basic education through its annual budget requests; and
  • The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to use all means at their disposal to promote access to quality education, globally, and commit to prioritizing quality and inclusive education for children and youth in emergency and crisis settings.  
In a statement from Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), he emphasizes that “given the terrible learning loss around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and troubling backsliding on girls' education in places such as Afghanistan, reauthorizing the READ Act couldn't come at a more important time,”. He went on to say that “doing so will ensure U.S. development programs continue to focus on providing basic education around a sound, long-term strategy – one that includes making sure girls have access to schooling.  This legislation has strong bipartisan support, which we saw through its original passage into law in 2017 and SFRC passage of this reauthorization last Congress.  I hope we can get it through the Senate and signed into law in the 118th Congress.” To read more about the READ Reauthorization Act, click here. 

USAID will provide an additional $75 million in humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi host community.
With this new funding, USAID will “work with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critically needed food and nutrition assistance, infrastructure maintenance, disaster risk reduction, and logistics support. This new funding will provide critical and life-saving assistance to nearly 600,000 people.” The food and nutrition assistance includes “electronic vouchers for staple and fresh foods at designated distribution sites as well as support to feeding programs for malnourished children six months to five years of age and pregnant and lactating women. These programs will target populations residing in 33 refugee camps and 130 sites in the local Bangladeshi community.” According to Save the Children, Rohingya children are some of the most marginalized groups on the planet. Over 450,000 Rohingya refugees are children, almost 1/3 of children under five have had their growth stunted by lack of food, and only 13% of boys and 2% of girls aged 15-18 are in school. To learn more about this announcement, click here.

PLAN International published its report on “Beyond Hunger: The Gendered Impact of the Global Hunger Crisis.” This report highlights that at least 345 million people across 82 countries are currently facing or are at risk of acute food insecurity, with 50 million people on the brink of starvation, teetering on the edge of famine.”The gendered impact of this crisis is staggering. do not account for the gendered impact of the global hunger crisis. Their report found that “gendered food distribution and consumption practices at the household level often work to the detriment of girls and women,” “In almost all countries studied, there was evidence that gender-based violence has increased since the onset of the current crisis,” and that“the hunger crisis is having a negative impact on children’s education, and this impact differs by gender,” and more. PLAN International recommends a multi-pronged approach, including 
  • that food security data is sex- age and disability disaggregated
  • children, adolescents, and young people are consulted and engaged in the design of humanitarian programming
  • Funding and implementing gender-responsive, child-sensitive, and locally led anticipatory action and preparedness,” and more. 

To read the report, click here.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the “Children of War” exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art during his trip to Chicago, Illinois. The exhibit showcased art by Ukrainian children who are experiencing the war in Ukraine. He stated that “in Chicago, I saw an extraordinary exhibition of artwork from Ukrainian children of war as well as a diaspora community that is a profound expression of what our country is all about — supporting each other, but also supporting others in times of need.” To learn more about his visit, click here.  
SPOTLIGHT

The Youth Alliance Working Group of the Children’s Policy & Funding Initiative, Global Campaign for Education- US, World Vision, Georgetown Collaborative on Global Children’s Issues, Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development, and more co-hosted the event “Education in Emergencies: A Global Call for 222 Million Children” The discussion highlighted the crucial opportunity for the U.S. and donors to commit to financing quality, inclusive, safe education for over 222 million children and adolescents living in crisis and conflict settings around the world.

The first round of panelists included LeAnna Marr, USAID Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator; Elizabeth H. Campbell, Department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration; Yasmine Sherif, Director, Education Cannot Wait; Representative Grace Meng, Congresswoman from New York’s 6th Congressional District. They discussed the importance of education globally and how a multitude of crises, such as COVID-19, has disrupted progress. Additionally, LeAnnaMarr emphasized that education in emergencies is often the first to go when there are budget cuts. She noted that, the humanitarian sector has taken education more seriously in the past couple of years, but that there is still a long way to go. 
Pictured: LeAnna Marr, USAID Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator; Elizabeth H. Campbell, Department of State, Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration; Yasmine Sherif, Director, Education Cannot Wait; Representative Grace Meng, Congresswoman from New York’s 6th Congressional District.
Participants on the second panel were youth activists from around the world, including Pierina Anton Lopez, Global Campaign for Education-US Fellow, 2021 USAID Donald M. Payne Fellow, and Georgetown Global Human Development (GHD) '23; Nehemia Abel, Georgetown GHD ‘23, Policy and Advocacy Fellow, International Rescue Committee, 2021 USAID Donald M. Payne Fellow and Co-Founder, Ubumwe; Olivia Issa, Program Lead, NASH Refugee Resettlement Initiative, George Washington University '22; Emmanuelle Dyer Melhado, Outreach Chair, Welcoming Campus Initiative, and No Lost Generation at George Washington University, George Washington University '24; and Jessica Garcia Bocaletti, Senior at International High School at Langley Park and Posse Scholar. The youth activist emphasized the need for having conflict-affected students at the decision-making table and that higher education institutions need to prioritize access and inclusion for conflict-impacted students.
Pictured: Pierina Anton Lopez, Global Campaign for Education-US Fellow, 2021 USAID Donald M. Payne Fellow, and Georgetown Global Human Development (GHD) '23; Nehemia Abel, Georgetown GHD ‘23, Policy and Advocacy Fellow, International Rescue Committee, 2021 USAID Donald M. Payne Fellow and Co-Founder, Ubumwe; Olivia Issa, Program Lead, NASH Refugee Resettlement Initiative, George Washington University '22; Emmanuelle Dyer Melhado, Outreach Chair, Welcoming Campus Initiative, and No Lost Generation at George Washington University, George Washington University '24; and Jessica Garcia Bocaletti, Senior at International High School at Langley Park and Posse Scholar. 
To learn more and rewatch this event, click here. 
EVENTS
  • U.S. Department of State Office of Global Women’s Issues virtual event "Women Lead: Ukrainian Women's Fight for the Future of Ukraine.” January 30, 2023 at 9 am ET. 
  • USAID Education in Crisis and Conflict Network (ECCN) virtual event “COVID-19 Learning Loss: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.” February 7, 2023, at 10 am ET. 
  • George Washington University Global Women’s Institute and Beyond Borders webinar “Rethinking Power: Presentation of an impact evaluation of the Rethinking Power program to prevent violence against women and girls in Haiti.” February 9, 2023 at 9:30 am ET. 
  • Learning Through Play virtual event “Playful Schools Conference 2023.” March 27-29, 2023. 
  • World Literacy Foundation hybrid event “World Literacy Summit 2023.” April 2-4, 2023 online & at Oxford University, Oxford UK.

REPORTS, ARTICLES, & RESOURCES​
  • The Guardian article “‘They just vanish’: whistleblowers met by wall of complacency over missing migrant children.” 
  • USAID one-pager “USAID Global Reading Network (GRN) 2022 Priorities.” 
  • World Bank article “Learning in Crisis: Prioritizing education & effective policies to recover lost learning.” 
  • France24 article “France repatriates 15 women, 32 children from Syria jihadist camps.”​

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY

The Global Fund for Women is searching for young activists to join its Adolescent Girls Advisory Council (AGAC). As a member, you will share your girl- and regional-related expertise, co-develop the Adolescent Girls' Rights Program Strategy, map girl-led groups, participate in Global Fund for Women's grantmaking process, Attend key convenings, and more. Applications are due February 20, 2023. To learn more and apply, click here.

For more information, visit the Children’s Policy and Funding Initiative website: www.childrensinitiative.net 

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
​
The Initiative's weekly newsletter is a collection of updates on coalitions, networks, and organizations that advocate for the U.S. government to support children and young people globally.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

 ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS
JANUARY 2023
Vol. 118: READ Reauthorization Act Reintroduced, PLAN International Report, & Education in Emergencies Event​

Vol. 117: Education in Emergencies: A Global Call for 222 Million Children, UN 92nd session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, & the World Economic Forum.


​Vol. 116: FY2023 omnibus appropriations numbers & language, Sign-on Letters, & Global Rights for Women.​

Vol. 115: FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, & the U.S. Strategy on Global Women’s Economic Security.


DECEMBER 2022
​
Vol. 114:2022 U.S. Strategy to Prevent Gender-Based Violence Globally, reintroduced International Violence Against Women Act, & the Youth Alliance Working Group Updates

Vol. 113: International Children with Disability Protection Act Event, APCCA Event, & Safe from the Start ReVisioned launch. 

Vol. 112: C is for Cookie Social, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, & U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues.

NOVEMBER 2022
Vol. 111: COP27, U.S. Department of State Agency Financial Report FY2022, & EU Digital Services Act.

Vol. 110: Children & Youth at COP27, GCE-US Community of Practice Meeting, & USAID Grants.

Vol. 109: First Focus Scorecard, The Brave Movement, & GCE-US Call-to-Action
​

OCTOBER 2022
Vol. 108: Congressional Caucus for Children & Youth Globally, UN Security Council Debate, & Upcoming Events.

Vol. 107: The Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act, The Brave Movement, & AAP Global Mental Health Summit.

Vol. 106: The International Day of the Girl, First Focus & ForeignAssistance.gov, and the "What Makes Me?" Report. 

Vol. 105: First Focus Children’s Budget Book 2022, World Mental Health Day, & Bureau of International Labor Affairs Child Labor Reports.

Vol. 104: The International Children with Disabilities Protection Act, the READ Act Reauthorization, & Keeping Girls in School Hill Event.

​SEPTEMBER 2022
Vol. 103: The Transforming Education Summit, Organizational Sign-On Letter, & Youth Protection and Safeguarding.​

Vol. 102: UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Together for Girls Report, and CPFI Youth Alliance Working Group Update


Vol. 101: UNDP Report, Updated COVID-19 Orphan numbers, & Lancet Report.

Vol. 100: First Focus Sign-On Letter, U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, & The End Tuberculosis Now Act of 2022. 
​

AUGUST 2022
Vol. 99: GCE-US OMB Letter, WHO Youth Council, & New UNICEF publication.

Vol. 98: First Focus backgrounder, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brief, & Event on Youth Perspectives on the Nexus of Climate and Peacebuilding

Vol. 97: Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council, International Youth Day 2022, & Biden’s Africa Agenda. 


Vol. 96: The Children’s Safe Welcome Act, Washington Post Op-Ed, & USAID Policy Framework: Draft for Comment virtual event.
​

Vol. 95: Keeping Girls in School Act MarkUp, USAID Policy Framework draft, & various House and Senate Foreign Affairs hearings.

JULY 2022
Vol. 94: Global Education Advocacy Day, The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, & U.S. Department of State report. 
​

Vol. 93: The Brave Movement, the Youth Alliance Working Group, & Devex World 2022.
​

​Vol. 92: Devex & The Hill Op-Eds, G7 Summit Final Communique, and How to Child Rights Event.

Vol. 91: International Children with Disabilities Protection Act, Reach Every Mother and Child Act (Reach Act), USAID Humanitarian Policy, & G7 Summit.

JUNE 2022
Vol. 90: The FY 23 House of Representatives State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (IDESVC), & USAID comments on US Global Water Strategy draft. 
​

Vol. 89: U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Hearing, Together to #ENDviolence Leaders Event, & Children’s Week 2022.

Vol. 88: FY 2023 President’s Budget Request and Congressional Budget Justification Appendix 2, USAID Menstrual Health and Hygiene guidance, & USAID’s Leading Through Learning Global Platform.  
​

Vol. 87: First Focus Legislative Scorecard, Youth Alliance Working Group, & United Nations held the 90th session of the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

MAY 2022
Vol. 86: Devex Op-Ed, Grantee Language during Fiscal Year 2023 USAID Budget Request Committee Hearing, & Reactions to Texas School Shooting. 
​
Vol. 85: The G7 Foreign Ministers statement on Afghan Women and Girls, The Hill Op-Ed, & House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on USAID’s FY23 Budget Request. 

Vol. 84: Children’s Policy & Funding Initiative POTUS Letter, White House 2nd COVID-19 Summit & Thrive Coalition Positive Parenting Event. 
​

Vol. 83: Dangers Facing Children with Disabilities in Ukraine’s Orphanages, USAID Youth in Development Policy 2022-2030, & International Basic Education Letter. 
​

Vol. 82: First Focus Letter & COVID Event, USAID Child Care Event, and Funding & Professional Opportunity. 

APRIL 2022
Vol. 81: Sign-On Letters, Choose to Invest in Development and Humanitarian Action report for FY 2023, and The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum. 
​

Vol. 80: Global Action Week for Education, Elevate Children Funders Group (ECFG) Consultancies, & U.S. Department of State 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

​Vol 79: USAID calls for comments, Global Campaign for Education-US (GCE-US) sign-on letter, & Mainstreaming Youth, Peace and Security in the United States.
​
Vol. 78: Children's Policy & Funding Initiative Presidential Letter and Youth Alliance Working Group,, Biden Administration Budget Request, and the READ Act Reauthorization, Landmark CSA Case at Inter-American Court. 

MARCH 2022
Vol. 77: What Kids Want Congress to Know, InterAction statement on the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, & Ukraine.

Vol. 76: FY 2023 SFOPS GBV Appropriations Request, FY 2022 Humanitarian Account, President's remarks on GBV, Advocacy on Ukraine, Syria, and Online Abuse.

Vol. 75: UNICEF Executive Director Interviewed on MSNBC, USAID's $2.6B requests for Gender Equality and Equity, & Annual Day of the Right of the Child.

Vol. 74: Children's and Youth Community Appropriations Letter FY23, First Focus Letter to Biden-Harris Administration, President Biden's address at the State of the Union & Children in Ukraine. 

FEBRUARY 2022
Vol. 73: Crisis in Ukraine & The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security Virtual Event. 

Vol. 72: Children and Youth Sign-On Letter, Updated Caregiver Loss Numbers, & Global Disability Summit 2022.  

Vol. 71: USAID 2022 Protecting Children and Youth from Digital Harm Symposium, Human Rights Watch, * Professional & Funding Opportunities. 

Vol. 70: Devex article on Online Sexual Abuse of Children, NGO Community’s Response to USAID’s Climate Strategy, & United States GBV Strategy.

JANUARY 2022
Vol. 69: Increase in Child Sexual Abuse, Rise in Violations Against Children in Conflict, & the State of Community-led Development. 

Vol. 68: 25th Anniversary of the Children and Armed Conflict Mandate, Global Vaccine Deliveries, & the High Level Global Conference on Youth Inclusive Peace Processes. 

Vol. 67: Anniversary of the Thrive Act, Global School Closures, the MINDS Act, & USAID Global LEAD Toolkit Launch. 

Vol. 66: Human Trafficking Prevention Month, New UNICEF Executive Director & Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity (APCCA) Civil Society Convening. 
ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS 

Picture

​The Children's Policy and Funding Initiative is made possible through generous funding provided by several leading foundations.  The Initiative is a pooled funding project housed at Tides Center.  

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Donors >
      • Dan Lauer, GHR
      • Vicky Rateau, Oak
      • Anonymous Donor
    • Secretariat >
      • Kelly Case
      • Alex Arriaga
      • Emily Davis
    • Grants
    • Contact us
  • Resources
    • Child/Youth Centered
    • USG Top Priority
    • US Government Initiatives
    • Expert Publications
    • Coalitions
    • Calendar
    • Newsletter
  • Youth Alliance
  • Member Log In
    • Internal Advocacy & Research Materials >
      • Legislation Watch
      • US Budget
      • QFRs
      • Transition Memos
      • USG Implementation Plans
    • Submit Materials