Education in the face of crisis and conflict

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Children and young people often pay the highest price in war, conflict and natural disasters. A large proportion of children and young people who are currently not in school are experiencing crisis. For Norway it is important that children and young people have access to education – including during situations of crisis and conflict.

What

Funding for education in crisis and conflict is allocated to both emergency and long-term crisis situations. In emergency situations, it is crucial to ensure that education forms part of the humanitarian response. Education is important as it can help provide some normality during a difficult situation. Educational measures in emergency situations will often include funding for mental health and psychosocial initiatives. When crises become long-term, it is crucial to ensure that children and young people can progress and complete their education. Working to ensure adequate emergency response and prevention, and to ensure that schools and educational institutions remain safe, is often part of the work on education during crises and conflict.

Why

Crises, conflicts and natural disasters affect children and young people’s educational opportunities, including refugees and internally displaced people. A large proportion of those who do not attend school live in areas affected by crisis and conflict. Many of those who attend school do not learn fundamental skills. Violence and attacks on students, teachers and educational institutions are a major challenge in many countries.

To achieve the goal of education for all, it is necessary to fund education for children and young people experiencing crisis and conflict. In crisis situations, school can become a sanctuary in the midst of day-to-day uncertainty. It can provide protection, communicate key information and provide an opportunity to process experiences. Crisis situations can persist for many years. A country that is about to embark on rebuilding and stabilisation may face further challenges if a whole generation lacks basic knowledge, vocational training and higher education.

How

Norway is an important contributor to education during crisis and conflict. Education is part of our humanitarian strategy, and we contribute humanitarian aid to education.

In collaboration with several partners, Norway has also taken the initiative to increase aid for education during crisis situations. This has resulted in the launch of a dedicated fund for education during crisis, Education Cannot Wait (ECW). ECW provides funding for education in emergency and long-term crisis situations in around 40 countries. Education Cannot Wait | The Global Fund for Education in Emergencies

Many of Norway’s other education partners contribute with funding for education during crisis and conflict. This includes the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR and civil society organisations such as Save the Children and the Norwegian Refugee Council. Norway also contributes to the World Food Programme (WFP), which funds school meals in many countries affected by crises.

Norway plays a leading role in the follow-up on the safe schools declaration. The primary objective of the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration is to prevent attacks on schools and universities and prevent military use of such institutions. States that sign the declaration commit to implementing measures to prevent military use of educational institutions, thereby preventing educational institutions from becoming military targets. Safe Schools Declaration – An inter-governmental political commitment to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities from the worst effects of armed conflict (protectingeducation.org). The declaration laid the foundations for Norway and Niger negotiating the unanimous adoption of security council resolution 2601, which is the first resolution dedicated to protecting education in conflict situations. s_res_2601.pdf (securitycouncilreport.org)

Who/where

Through global funds, multilateral and civil society organisations, Norway provides funding for children and young people affected by crisis and conflict in several countries. This includes refugees, internally displaced people and host communities.

Several of the countries that receive earmarked funding for education from Norway are vulnerable, conflict-stricken countries. Examples include South Sudan, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Mali, Ukraine, Myanmar, Palestine, Syria and Somalia.

Contact

For further information, please contact the Section for Education and Research