Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations

Abstract

It is estimated that more than 200 million children live in fragile or conflict-affected areas. Their education is often disrupted and may be halted. Their opportunities to learn are made more difficult by economic hardship combined with disruption, distress, loss, trauma, or fear. Summarizing evidence on education for these children, the chapter focuses on three key age groups—early childhood, children at primary level, and adolescents—and outlines issues common to all. It also identifies what is not known and some research priorities. We conclude that there is a growing but insufficient body of relevant knowledge, and that in addition to learning the relevant fundamentals, both culture and crisis affect how children learn and what they need to know and be able to do in order to survive and thrive under such circumstances.