How Education Can Become A Safe Haven For Children During War

Recent air strikes on a school compound in Idlib, Syria took the lives of not less than 22 children. In Aleppo, a Syrian country under siege, children are caught in the middle of bomb explosions and attacks for months now. These incidents are heartbreaking proofs that the real victims of war and violence are the innocent little children.

Early in September, a report from New York Times  brought tears to many when they reported that Syrian children can no longer feel play, sleep and eat like how little kids normally do. When asked, one kid said that he wished that the war would stop so that he and his friends could go back to school.

Recognizing the urgency of putting an end to the inhumane acts of war and protecting the future of the little innocent children, non-state actor Education Above All (EAA) established its Protect Education in Insecurity and Conflict (PEIC) advocacy with a very straightforward rationale. Advocates believe that education will provide opportunities for children in war areas by giving them a link to a normal life.

PEIC aims to fuel every child's inner belief that there will always be hope and that pursuing their life aspirations is never impossible. While they strive to mentor the little children to become future nation-builders, PEIC also provides them with basic necessities like water and food including knowledge on sanitation and health.

Surprisingly, data from countries like Yemen, Sudan and even Syria show that the advocacy became a safe place for kids in countries under siege. Currently, 56 countries publicly expressed their commitment to upholding and protecting education for children during times of war and conflict.

Albania is the latest country to pledge support to the program, following Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, Qatar, Norway and many others. EAA aims to save schools from being forgotten and transform them into a safe haven for children in times of conflict and is urging other countries to do the same.