Educational planning in countries affected by conflict: conflict analysis of the education system

Children in conflict-affected countries are systematically denied essential social services. UNICEF recognizes that it is time for the international community to think differently about how to address this challenge by... [ view full abstract ]

Children in conflict-affected countries are systematically denied essential social services. UNICEF recognizes that it is time for the international community to think differently about how to address this challenge by planning and resourcing approaches that address the underlying causes and dynamics of conflict interrupting cycles of violence. To be effective and equitable, education in conflict-affected contexts needs to be informed by in-depth analysis of the root causes and consequences of conflict and the interaction of conflict dynamics with education processes. However, education sector analysis and planning processes, policy development and implementation in many affected countries have not been done from a peacebuilding perspective (Novelli, Smith, 2011). To transform and improve education in such contexts, UNICEF has launched an innovative partnership - the Learning for Peace Programme. As a first and crucial step, education for peacebuilding approach is informed by a comprehensive conflict analysis of the education system, located within broader cross-sectoral and peacebuilding processes. Participatory conflict analyses in countries examined conflict dynamics at multiple levels; including schools, communities, education and other sectors and broader national political economy to inform programme interventions. This paper analyses the process of undertaking conflict analyses to inform education sector planning and programming across fourteen countries at different stages of violent conflict. The paper highlights methodological, contextual and programme design issues that policy makers and practitioners in education and other sectors can take into consideration when designing and implementing analyses and developing and resourcing education programmes in countries affected by violence and conflict.