• Education

Education in Emergencies

Making sure a crisis never means the end of a child's education.

  • Our Approach

When Crisis Hits, Learning Can't Wait

When conflict, disaster or displacement strikes, schools are often among the first things to break down and among the last to be rebuilt. Yet for children caught in crisis, education isn't a luxury that can wait until things settle. It's often what keeps them safe, gives their days structure, and protects them from the risks that come with being out of school.

Our Education in Emergencies programs are built to respond fast. We set up safe learning spaces within days of a crisis unfolding, well before formal schools can reopen, so children have somewhere secure to go and something familiar to hold onto. These spaces combine basic literacy and numeracy with psychosocial support, helping children process what they've been through while they keep learning.

As the emergency stabilizes, our programs are designed to evolve moving children from emergency classrooms toward more structured, accelerated learning, and eventually back into the formal education system. Because a crisis should interrupt a child's education for as short a time as possible, not end it.

  • HOW WE DELIVER

How We Respond

Our Vision

A world where every person lives with dignity, free from poverty and injustice.

Our Mission

To empower communities through education, health, governance and humanitarian action.

  • FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an "emergency" in this context?

Conflict, displacement, natural disaster or any crisis that disrupts children's access to normal schooling.

How quickly does this response start?

Safe learning spaces are typically set up within days of a crisis, often before formal schools can safely reopen.

Is this just childcare, or real learning?

Both. Alongside literacy and numeracy, children get psychosocial support to help them cope with what they've experienced.

What happens after the emergency phase ends?

Children move into accelerated learning programs designed to help them catch up and transition back into the formal education system.

Who is this program for?
Children and youth in conflict-affected, displaced or disaster-hit communities who've had their education disrupted.
How can I support this program?

Through donations, partnerships or volunteering your time. Visit our How to Help page to learn more.