In 2024, one in three children in conflict or fragile countries missed school. This rate is double the global average. Research by Save the Children found that 103 million school-aged children in 34 fragile countries missed education last year.
The global average shows one in six children out of school. This sharp contrast highlights the devastating impact of conflict on education.
COUNTRIES WITH HIGHEST NUMBERS OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN
Sudan faces severe educational disruption. Around 17.4 million children remain out of school due to ongoing conflict since April 2023.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes since October 2023 have damaged or destroyed 96% of school buildings. As a result, 625,000 school-aged Kids in Gaza are missing out on education.
Nigeria reports over 18 million Kids out of school. Insecurity, poverty, and cultural norms prevent children—especially girls—from attending school. Attacks on schools and climate disasters, like the September floods in Borno state, worsen the situation.
BARRIERS TO EDUCATION PROGRESS
Progress in reducing the number of children out of school has stalled for over a decade. Factors include:
- Under-investment in education
- Restrictive policies
- Conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Climate disasters
- Attacks on schools
In 2022 and 2023, attacks on schools increased by 20% compared to the previous two years. Since 2020, 62 million Kids across 27 countries have had their education disrupted by climate shocks.
CALL FOR ACTION FROM SAVE THE CHILDREN
James Cox, Head of Advocacy and Policy for Education at Save the Children, expressed concern over the crisis.
“One in three children in conflict zones are out of school. Schools are damaged by conflict, disasters, and poverty. Education in crisis settings is lifesaving. It protects Kids from abuse and recruitment by armed groups,” said Cox.
He emphasized the importance of world leaders prioritizing education in emergencies.
ROLE OF EDUCATION IN CRISIS SETTINGS
Education offers safety and hope. Schools offer essential knowledge like avoiding unexploded bombs. They also protect Kids from exploitation, early marriage, and child labor.
The organisation urges global leaders to meet funding needs for education in emergencies by 2025. The organization calls for the endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration and for conflicts to spare educational facilities.
Save the Children provides safe learning spaces in conflict zones. These spaces offer healthcare, vaccinations, and mental health support.
The organization amplifies the voices of campaigning against child marriage and climate change. Their mission is to create a fair, safe, and healthy future for all Kids.
EDUCATION AS A GLOBAL PRIORITY
Kids in crisis zones prioritize education. It is time world leaders do the same. By funding education and protecting schools, millions of children can secure a brighter future.
