Paving pathways for inclusion: a global overview of refugee education data

Global Insights into Refugee Education Data

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) bridges education and the world of work, unlocking the potential of young people and adults for a brighter future. However, it is estimated that 267 million young people are not engaged in employment, education, or training.

Refugee learners frequently face unpredictable educational journeys. Their successful integration into national education systems can enhance learning, strengthen social ties, and pave the way for brighter futures. This integration depends on comprehensive data for effective planning and progress tracking. Yet, significant data gaps have left refugee students largely ‘invisible’ in many national and international statistics.

To address this challenge, UNESCO, in collaboration with UNHCR, reviewed the state of refugee education data in the top 35 low- and middle-income refugee-hosting countries. The study analyzed 1,109 questionnaires from 621 data collection exercises, assessing the inclusion of refugee identification questions and topics related to educational access, quality, and safety.

The joint report identifies significant data gaps and offers recommendations to enhance the availability and quality of refugee education data. It aims to inform global education stakeholders about improving data accuracy and quality to ensure that no learner is left behind. UNESCO will work with bilateral and multilateral partners to address these challenges.