More children than ever are affected by crises, not learning, and not in school. For these children, education is more than an opportunity to learn. It’s a chance to heal and hope again.
Four humanitarians in the State of Palestine and Syria share why education in emergencies is live-saving and life-changing. Here’s how they’re helping children to learn despite violence, loss and displacement and keep their dreams alive in the darkest of times.
Etab Khajo, Education Specialist, Syria
“I believe education is not just a fundamental right but a transformative tool. In Syria, where years of conflict have disrupted learning, education remains a powerful source of hope and resilience.
“A moment that deeply moved me was when, for the first time in over a decade, Grade 9 and 12 national exams for more than 60,000 children were held locally in Al-Hasakeh, Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor, after years of advocacy. This spared families the costly and dangerous journey to other cities. Seeing relief and joy on students’ faces was unforgettable proof that even in crisis, education prevails.
“I’m proud to be a humanitarian supporting education because it gives children the chance to dream, to learn, and to build a future, no matter the obstacles they face.
“The cost of inaction is too high. If we don’t support education in emergencies, we risk losing entire generations.”
Noureldeen Salah, Education Officer, Gaza, State of Palestine
“My motivation for working in education comes from my commitment to improving children’s lives and defending their rights. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing gender equality, and fostering sustainable development.
“I have met teachers who transformed displacement shelters into learning spaces. Despite limited materials, they create environments of hope for children who have endured significant trauma. One teacher who had lost her home and loved ones continued teaching every day. She shared how children, grieving the loss of family members, found comfort in their studies.
“I recently met a seventh-grade girl who ran to her mother after a few hours in a learning space, saying, ‘I can’t stop learning! There is so much I don’t know yet.’ Learning made her feel ‘like I’m flying, and education is the key to rebuilding our country.’
“These moments are why I work with communities, partners and parents to keep every child learning, restoring stability, dignity and hope.”
“These moments are why I work with communities, partners and parents to keep every child learning, restoring stability, dignity and hope.”
Ola A. A. Alaila, Education Officer, Gaza, State of Palestine
“I chose to work in education because it is the cornerstone of hope and resilience for children, especially in times of crisis. Since childhood, I have dreamed of helping children unlock their potential and transform their futures through learning.
“As a Palestinian living in Gaza, even amid war, education remains the thread that weaves hope into children’s lives. I vividly remember visiting a burned-out building where a temporary learning space had been set up. Despite blackened walls and reminders of devastation, the classrooms were bursting with life. Children sat eagerly on small chairs, voices echoing in unison, faces lit with smiles – as if the war raging outside had vanished.
“Every lesson taught is a step toward rebuilding not just a child’s future, but the future of their community. This is why I work closely with teachers and partners to strengthen skills, introduce new teaching methods, and create safe spaces for learning.
“If we don’t support education in emergencies, we risk losing a generation’s potential, and their ability to build a peaceful future.”
Mohamad Kinan Turkawi, Education Officer, Syria
“I chose to work in education because during an emergency, it is not an option, it’s a lifeline. Conflict can take everything from children: their homes, stability and sense of safety. Education gives something back. It brings hope, helps children heal, and allows them to believe in the future again.
“One moment I’ll never forget was when UNICEF supported children with visual impairments to learn in Homs. The number of children attending classes doubled. Seeing their smiles and the hope in their parents’ eyes was powerful. For many, it felt like the start of a new life.
“Another moment I will always remember is when I met Mohamed, a boy living in a displacement camp, who works in agriculture to support his family. He told me, ‘Education is my hope. I want to learn and become a doctor to help children.’ Despite years of conflict, he dreams not just for himself, but for others.
“I have seen firsthand how education in emergencies is life-saving. Every child has the right to learn, and we must protect that right – no matter the circumstances.”
Bringing hope in dark times
Humanitarian heroes like Etab, Nour, Ola, Kinan and countless others are working tirelessly in the most challenging conditions to keep learning alive. Their dedication is helping children hold on to hope, even when everything else feels uncertain.
They remind us that education in emergencies is more than a right, it is a promise that the future children deserve is still possible.
