Armed conflicts and protracted crises are increasingly destabilising societies across the globe. These crises have left a devastating impact, especially on children and youth whose right to education is under grave threat. Schools and universities are being attacked, sometimes deliberately; large numbers of teachers and students have been displaced; and entire education systems suffer for years, sometimes to the point of collapse. 

Drawing on real-world examples from the Palestine Territories and the Kivu Region ( Democratic Republic of Congo), this session will examine the educational challenges arising from armed conflict and highlight inspiring policies and practices that demonstrate hope, resilience, and resourceful strategies for safeguarding education amid adversity.

Session objectives:

• Foster a shared understanding of the challenges facing education in crisis situations;

• Showcase resourceful strategies used by affected countries and regions to maintain learning and adapt to disruptions;

• Inspire advocacy and collaboration for safeguarding education, ultimately contributing to enhanced protection and continuity of learning during and after conflict.

Expected results: 

• Participants will gain practical insights into how education can be protected and sustained during armed conflict, drawing from real-world experiences in the Palestine Territories, and the Kivu Region. 

• Attendees will leave with lessons learned and recommendations for both immediate interventions and long-term recovery. 

• They will get inspired by the resilience and creative solutions used to preserve and restore learning during displacement and insecurity

Photo credit: © UNICEF/UNI669035/Nateel