By Hassaan Ahmed
The politically biased nature of the resolution of conflicts today is affecting the futures of entire generations of children. Without access to good quality education, a generation of children living in conflict zones will grow up without the skills they need to contribute to their countries and economies effectively. UNICEF no doubt has produced efforts for the cause, but the political effectiveness of the issue in question- Palestine, Gaza Strip- is causing the nature of support to be biased due to international political businesses.
A child's right to education cannot be safeguarded in conflict zones without education itself being protected. Out of school, children are easy targets of abuse, exploitation, and recruitment by armed forces and groups. Schools should provide a safe space where children can be protected from threats and crises. Education around the globe is being treated as a luxury in conflict zones. However, evidence strongly suggests that for the growth of peace mindset and informed citizens education should be a fundamental priority in conflict zones. But as seen in the Gaza bombing, the politicalness of the issue indicates that education itself is under attack. Only right efforts in the right direction, cosmopolitan public spirit and, international public policy will achieve UNICEF's goals!
I totally agree with you. Specifically in context of conflict, education has to play the role of rehabilitation apart from just learning. So, political motives of stakeholders can affect this cause.
The humanitarian intervention for the rehabilitation of education in Palestine is crucial at this stage, as a whole generation of a country is being deprived of this very basic right to education. And unfortunately, most of the countries, allies of Israel, have turned their faces away from the sufferings and miseries of Palestinians. The schools are being shut and demolished while the whole world has been silently watching the past, the present, and God forbid the future of Palestine burn!
Education should provide a sense of normality, or an escape from the distresses around. However, the lack of security that educational institutions provides makes school going such a dangerous experience, as evinced by enrollment rates declining and dropout rates increasing during distressing times due to the fear of being attacked or killed on the way, or in school.
As you have rightly pointed out, education is a necessity, and it becomes increasingly important in the conflict zones. Education for All (movement lead by UNESCO) has become increasingly popular and calls every child's right to education. While learning levels may not be achieved in such situations, education can provide opportunities for recreation, dealing with trauma and collaboration. How is it possible? Especially in the above case, in my opinion, it calls for an intervention by humanitarian agencies like UN because it is just beyond provision of necessities.
Rightly said, but till the decision maker which is U.S. for sure does not do something, eduction will be in danger in Palestine.