A recent report from Save the Children noted the devastating impact of persistent crises on education, revealing that nearly 103 million school-age children – about one-in-three – living in conflict-affected or fragile countries were out of school in 2024.
This figure is three times the global average, where only one in 10 children is unschooled.
The data covers 34 countries identified by the World Bank as fragile or conflict-affected.
Nations such as Sudan and Palestine exemplify the catastrophic consequences of these crises on education systems.
In Sudan, ongoing conflict since April 2023 has left 17.4 million children out of school.
In the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have damaged or destroyed 96% of schools, depriving 625,000 children of their education.
In Nigeria, over 18 million children are out of school, with poverty, insecurity, sociocultural norms and attacks on schools worsening the crisis.
Flooding in Borno State in 2023 further disrupted education by forcing schools to close.
Systemic Barriers to Education
Humanitarian crises, climate disasters and armed conflicts create profound disruptions to education.
Between 2022 and 2023, attacks on schools and their military use rose by 20%.
Additionally, around 62 million children in 27 countries have faced educational disruptions due to climate shocks since 2020.
These figures highlight a collective failure to protect the fundamental right to education.
For James Cox, advocacy lead for education at Save the Children, education during crises is essential.
It not only shields children from violence, exploitation and recruitment by armed groups but also equips them with life-saving skills such as identifying unexploded bombs.
Despite being a priority for affected children and their families, education remains significantly underfunded in emergency situations.
Call to Action
Save the Children urges immediate increases in educational investments, implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, and an end to the military use of school facilities.
On the ground, the organization provides safe learning spaces for children affected by conflict, along with healthcare, vaccinations, and psychosocial support.
Save the Children also empowers children to advocate against child marriage and climate inequalities while pushing for a more equitable and sustainable future.
ARD/te/lb/jn/APA