World

Guidebook for Planning Education in Emergencies and Reconstruction

Format
Manual and Guideline
Source
Posted
Originally published

Attachments

Access to education is a fundamental tool for child protection. Education inherently provides physical, psychosocial and cognitive protection. In appropriate security conditions, physical protection may be enhanced by the provision of adult supervision and a safe place to play. Psychosocial protection is offered through opportunities for self-expression, the expansion of social networks and access to structure and regular routines. By placing children in the social role of learners, education gives children a sense of purpose and self-worth.

Finally, education contributes to the cognitive protection of children affected by conflict or crises by addressing specific living conditions that arise from conflict (landmine awareness or health issues), strengthening children's analytical abilities, and giving children the tools they need to develop skills for citizenship and life in peace.

This Guidebook for planning education in emergencies and reconstruction aims to support educational authorities in providing equal access to education of quality for children affected by conflict or disaster. It is also intended for staff of United Nations organizations, donor agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in support of ministries to promote education for emergency-affected populations. Staff of those agencies will benefit from a fuller awareness of the ways in which they can strengthen national capacities for planning and management of education in and after periods of emergency.