ACHRE Executive member Ayman Qwaider attended the Education in Emergencies (EiE) Conference held in Helsinki , May 20th & 21st.
“Looking ahead, I will be collaborating with EiE actors to support the implementation of a global education advocacy campaign focused on Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Ukraine — amplifying the voices of learners and educators and advocating for sustained support and protection of education in crisis contexts.”
Education in Emergencies refers to the quality learning opportunities for all ages in situations of crisis, including early childhood development, primary, secondary, non-formal, technical, vocational, higher and adult education. Education in emergencies provides physical, psychosocial, and cognitive protection that can sustain and save lives. Common situations of crisis in which education in emergencies is essential include conflicts, situations of violence, forced displacement, disasters, and public health emergencies. Education in emergencies is a wider concept than ’emergency education response’ which is an essential part of it. (INEE, 2018)
The rights of children and young people are not suspended during an emergency. This includes the right to education. Quality education protects cognitive development and supports psychosocial well-being. In times of crisis, it offers children a sense of hope.
The promise of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (UN, 2015), to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030 will not be achieved without a much greater commitment to planning, prioritising, and protecting education particularly in conflict and crisis contexts.