Hear it From the Children: Why Education in Emergencies is Critical

It is the responsibility of humanitarian actors and donors to listen to these children, their parents and their communities in order to understand their needs and respond with aid that is accountable and effective. With this principle in mind, Save the Children and the Norwegian Refugee Council undertook a study to capture the views of internally displaced persons and refugees on their priorities in and after an emergency. This study reflects the voices of more than 250 children, parents, teachers and community representatives in two locations currently served by education projects supported by the EU Children of Peace Initiative: Masisi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Dollo Ado, Ethiopia.

The findings of the study highlight the remarkable contribution that education is making to the lives of these children, their families and communities on a daily basis. Not only is education a clear priority of those affected by conflict, who described the high intrinsic value of education, but it also appeared to provide many added benefits in the domains of protection, resilience, recovery, stability and economic progress.