Hear it from the Children, South Sudan: 'We Want to Learn - Even During War'

Over 800,000 children have been internally displaced within South Sudan since the on-going political crisis began in December 2013. This study seeks to understand where children place their priorities in an emergency and the... [ view full abstract ]

Over 800,000 children have been internally displaced within South Sudan since the on-going political crisis began in December 2013. This study seeks to understand where children place their priorities in an emergency and the role that education plays. 367 children and adults in crisis-affected areas throughout South Sudan were consulted through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews led by Save the Children with support from INTERSOS, World Vision International and CARE.

Conflict-affected children and communities in South Sudan clearly stated that education is a top priority highlighting, ‘We want to learn – even during war.’ 28% of children consulted – a majority - prioritised its provision above that of other services including health, food, water, shelter and play. When asked why it was a priority, participants made the following points.

Education is vital in protecting conflict-affected children, by providing a safe place with supervision from a teacher who monitors their wellbeing. It teaches them to better protect themselves from danger and can change the perception others have of them, lowering the likelihood they may targeted by combatants, for example.

Education often transforms and promotes recovery in displaced communities by teaching children peaceful behavior and promoting social cohesion as families often come together over their children’s schooling, fostering a sense of community.

In building resilience, participants cited education as being key in providing psycho-social coping mechanisms and a sense of hope as well as practical skills to more effectively overcome risks resulting from conflict.

A humanitarian response targeting conflict-affected communities can be strengthened by the inclusion of education in emergencies which adds significant value to other sectors. Humanitarian workers and teachers highlighted the importance of schools as platforms for information sharing and as entry points through which other sectors, such as WASH, health, protection and nutrition, often target their response.