Why Get Involved?

In conflicts around the world, education is a deliberate target for attack by armed forces and groups. Here are just a few of the many reasons why this matters:

• For students and their communities: In addition to the risk of death, injury, and psychological distress, attacks on and military use of learning spaces keep children out of school, sometimes permanently, thwarting their hopes and dreams for the future. Girls can be disproportionately impacted, as families are wary of sending their girls to schools occupied by soldiers. Parents also stop sending their daughters for fear of sexual violence at school or on the way.

• For governments: Investments in education by governments and the international community are squandered when education buildings are damaged or destroyed; physical and psychological trauma hinders the ability of students and teachers to learn and teach; and education quality declines as teachers are intimidated and their performance is impaired.

• For the world: With half of the world’s out-of-school children living in conflict-affected countries, the goal of universal primary education will not be reached if we fail to protect schools from attack by warring parties and from occupation for military purposes.

How You Can Help