Guidebook for Planning Education in Emergencies and Reconstruction

When countries and regions are devastated by conflict or natural disasters, schools are often abandoned or reduced to rubble. On a larger scale, the whole education system is shaken, if not destroyed. The world owes its children security and development through the provision of high quality inclusive education whatever the circumstances. Urgent measures must be taken to ensure that children living in emergency or post-disaster settings have access to education and that teaching and learning continue. Such support is life-saving and life-sustaining, as education can provide 'safe spaces' for children, helping them to overcome the effects of physical and psychological trauma. The Guidebook for planning education in emergencies and reconstruction aims to support educational authorities in providing equal access to quality education for children affected by conflict or disaster - which can also provide a unique opportunity to reform an education system. Intended primarily for ministry of education staff, it will also serve educational planners and practitioners at all levels, as well as UN staff, NGOs and donor agencies. Each chapter identifies strategies or policy options that have already proven successful in different contexts. This revised edition of the Guidebook (published initially in 2006) reflects some of the positive developments in terms of engagement of the international community in education in emergencies. Chapters on Ethnicity/political affiliation/religion, Children with disabilities, Learning spaces and school facilities, Early childhood development, and, Coordination and communication have all been updated. New chapters on Prevention of conflict and preparedness for disaster and Technology have also been added. The volumes cover the following thematic areas: General overview, Access and inclusion, Teachers and learners, Curriculum and learning, Management capacity.