On education during a war and displacement and the importance of rebuilding the sector after violent conflict: A personal reflection

Abstract

Many countries around the world have in the past experienced or are currently experiencing violent conflict, war, destruction and displacement. In all these settings, education is often one of the casualties of war and fighting. War in most cases leads to closure of schools and universities. In many settings, educational institutions end up as collateral damage in fighting; in other places schools and universities are deliberately targeted and destroyed. In warzones, pupils, students, teachers, academics and administrators are frequently killed or injured, and many end up being displaced (GCPEA, 2024). All this has a negative impact on societies and educational institutions. The destruction, instability and displacement also negatively impact access to education for millions, preventing them from attending schools or universities for months – and in many cases for years – and making a normal educational progress. Children and young people who are able to continue with education in conflict settings often learn in very difficult circumstances that prevent them from getting the most from education. This can have a lasting negative impact, affecting their life and work prospects for the decades to come.