The Protective Role of Education: Mapping Critical Intersections with Child Protection

The objective of this project was to conduct an issue mapping identifying critical intersections between child protection and education. Both the EiE and CP fields claim education is protective because it: 1) provides physical, psychosocial and cognitive protection; 2) gives children a sense of hope and stability; 3) provides children access to other critical, life-saving services; 4) strengthens social cohesion and supports peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts; 5) supports gender equality and provides women and girls, who are often marginalized, the skills to empower themselves; and, 6) enhances children’s wellbeing in the long term.

Despite the positive impacts of education in emergencies, most literature suggests that education is not by definition protective and that it can pose potential risks. Education can be used to fuel intolerance and prejudice and exacerbate existing injustice and discrimination. Educational infrastructure can also be used for military purposes, making schools prone to attack. In addition, schools can be places where sexual and labor exploitation of children takes place, and routes to school can subject children to violence and injury. Rigorous prevention and protection measures are therefore necessary to create a safe learning environment for all students to continue quality education in times of emergencies.