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Effects of Conflict
Conflict puts society's most vulnerable children at terrible risk. Conflict can displace children, destroy schools and break down education systems
Without intervention, children can be denied access to good, safe schools or alternative forms of education - the means to rewrite their futures.
Education - a casualty of war
In Nepal, both Maoist rebels and government forces have used schools as battlegrounds and as barracks for their fighters
Good education rarely survives major conflict. Students and teachers often have to flee as school buildings are bombed or taken over by armed forces. As essential education money gets diverted towards military action, teachers' salaries dry up and materials stop reaching the schools.
Many families can't afford school costs and the children themselves are more urgently needed to help out at home. As a conflict continues, the hope of going to school fades. Without help, these children may never go back to school.
Scared of going to school
In Uganda , up to 46% of teachers are untrained, yet have to manage classes of up to 200
Fear can paralyse a child's chance of education. Parents may be afraid to let their children - especially their daughters - out of their sight for fear that they will be abducted to become fighters or combatants' wives.
During conflict, teachers forced to step in are often untrained and unpaid. This can put children more at risk, particularly as they're less likely to get the emotional and psychological support they need.
Not staying the course
In Liberia, after 14 years of conflict, an estimated 60% of primary school students are over-age
It is much less likely children will stay in school. Many families are forced to flee their homes, and end up living in temporary accommodation where there is no access to schools.
Poor quality teaching, a lack of materials and disrupted classes mean some children leave before they complete primary school. Children who have started school late often can't catch up because other responsibilities take priority over their education.