The recently established EU Regional Trust Fund on Thursday signed two contracts worth a total of EUR 17.5M that aim to address the education and food needs of 240,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey, the European Commission said.

The first contract was signed with UNICEF and is worth €12.5 million.

It aims to mprove access to inclusive and quality education and provide psycho-sociological support to Syrian children living in Turkey, especially in host communities. More than 200,000 Syrian refugee children will benefit from Arabic teaching, psychosocial support, educational materials and refurbished school facilities under this action, the EU Commission said on its website.

The second contract worth EUR 5M was signed with the World Food Programme.

It will provide financing that will allow up to 41,000 Syrians residing in three camps to receive monthly food vouchers. The action will complement the ongoing EU humanitarian assistance and help limit disruptions in aid delivery.

For these actions in Turkey, the EU Trust Fund is using contributions from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA). Italy and Germany are also donors to the EU Trust Fund.