Why invest in education in fragile states?
Planning education in and after emergencies
Education should be a priority in post conflict and emergency situations
Authors:
M. Sinclair
Publisher:
International Institute for Educational Planning, UNESCO, 2002
The author of this book argues that education must be a priority for those organisations providing aid during and post conflicts and emergencies. Education, alongside the pressing concerns of food, water and housing, is essential if normal life is to be resumed and children are to be able to find jobs and establish lives. It is also argues that education is an important way of addressing prejudices and tensions between communities that may have originally contributed to the conflict, so contributing to the avoidance of future conflict.
As well as the importance of funding and prioritisation on education, it is important that equity and rights are considered so that girls and certain social groups are not excluded. Such issues as language of teaching, girls' safety and teachers' capacity are important planning considerations. The author outlines the current thinking in this field and provides guidelines for best practice in setting up education systems in post conflict areas for governments, NGOs and other stakeholders.
