Education in conflict and war: challenges and opportunities
Published: 05:05 PM,May 05,2026 | EDITED : 08:05 PM,May 05,2026
Education during conflicts and wars is a critical yet often overlooked dimension of humanitarian response and long-term development.
Armed conflicts disrupt not only political and economic systems but also the fundamental structures that support learning, social cohesion, and human development.
According to (Unicef, 2023), education is a lifeline for children in crises. Conflicts and wars spare no children. Today, more children than ever are affected by crises, are not learning, and are out of school.
More countries are experiencing conflict than at any time in the past thirty years. Many of these crises span entire childhoods and the early years of adolescence.
In countries affected by emergencies, children may lose their loved ones and homes, and their childhoods are at risk of being marked by trauma. Without access to quality education, they risk losing their futures.
Globally, over 50 million children have been forcibly displaced, mostly due to armed conflict. Nearly half of all school-age refugee children are out of school.
Notably, conflicts and wars severely damage educational systems in multiple ways. Schools are often destroyed, repurposed for military use, or rendered unsafe due to ongoing violence.
According to the Unesco, millions of children worldwide are denied access to education because of armed conflict. Teachers may be displaced, injured, or killed, leading to a shortage of qualified personnel.
Additionally, families forced to flee their homes face instability that disrupts children’s schooling. In such contexts, education becomes secondary to survival, increasing dropout rates and widening educational inequalities.
Despite these challenges, education during conflict is not merely a luxury — it is a necessity. Education provides a sense of normalcy, stability, and psychological support for children living in traumatic environments.
It can protect children from exploitation, child labour, and recruitment into armed groups. Research by Unicef highlights that schools can serve as safe spaces where children receive not only academic instruction but also emotional and social support.
Various strategies have been developed to ensure continuity of education in conflict zones. One approach is the establishment of temporary learning spaces, such as tents or community centres, which provide flexible and accessible schooling options.
Distance learning and digital education have also gained prominence, especially in areas where physical attendance is unsafe.
Organisations such as Education Cannot Wait work to fund and coordinate educational responses in emergencies, ensuring that learning continues even in the most challenging circumstances.
Another important strategy is the integration of psychosocial support into educational programmes. Children affected by war often experience trauma, anxiety, and loss, which can hinder their ability to learn.
Teachers are increasingly trained to address these needs by creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments. Additionally, curricula may be adapted to promote peace education, conflict resolution, and resilience, helping students develop skills to navigate and overcome adversity.
In sum, significant challenges continue to affect education in conflict settings. Funding remains limited compared to other humanitarian priorities.
Ongoing violence and political instability further hinder programme implementation, while equitable access for marginalised groups, including girls and children with disabilities, remains a pressing concern.
Nevertheless, education in times of conflict is a fundamental human right and a vital tool for recovery, with sustained investment essential for fostering resilience and long-term peace.