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Crisis and conflict disrupt education. Out of the 224 million-crisis affected children and adolescents of school age, about 72 million are out of school. ()

If world leaders do not address educational barriers that stem from crises, it is estimated that 825 million youth will lack the necessary skills to contribute to the workforce by 2030.听听听

During crises,听young children are vulnerable and disadvantaged; the first 5 years of a child鈥檚 life are considered the most critical stage of development.听Yet,听only 1.2% of education aid from donors is听allocated听to ECE.听听听

There were around 6,000 reported attacks on听students, educators,听schools听and universities in 2022 and 2023. More than 10,000 students and educators were reported to have been killed or otherwise harmed by these attacks.听听

Even听before听the COVID-19 pandemic,鈥�127 million primary and secondary school-age children鈥痑nd young people living in crisis-affected countries were鈥痮ut of school鈥痠n 2019, or almost鈥�50% the global out-of-school population.听听听

Less than鈥�1/3 of refugees are enrolled at the secondary level, with significant differences between boys and girls. Male refugees听enroll听in secondary school at 36% compared to only鈥�27% for female鈥痳efugees.听听听

In 2019, the鈥痮ut-of-school rate鈥痜or children and young people of primary and secondary school age living in countries affected by crisis was鈥�31% for girls鈥痑nd鈥�27% for boys.听听听

Children living in areas of ongoing conflict are at greater risk of recruitment听into听armed forces and militias, child听marriage听and abuse.听(A World at School, 2015)听听

In听conflict-affected听countries,听the gap between the poorest and the richest in access to education becomes larger with 39% of the poor accessing education compared to 77% of the richest.听听

In conflict and emergencies, investment in education can yield higher returns, saving lives in the short-term and billions of dollars in opportunity costs in the long-term.

For example, in Pakistan between 2009 and 2012, lack of access to education for 5.5 million children due to conflict is estimated to have cost $2.9 billion in lost income听听听

The right to education during emergencies is supported by binding international conventions and global frameworks.听听听

Education provides a safe place for young people to continue learning, receive psychosocial services, protection, water and sanitation and a nutritious meal听听听

Education provides a critical combination of safety,听socialisation, cognitive development and skills, preparing children and young people to be active and resilient members of their community and society.听听

What is the relationship between early childhood care and education(ECCE)听and crises?听

ECCEserves as a buffer against the negative impacts of crises on individuals and the community. It protects young children from the worst effects of crisis and provides a platform for nurturing care and psychosocial support.听听