Population Council Projects | The Protective Role of Education in Darfur

PROJECT
The Protective Role of Education in Humanitarian Emergencies: The Situation of Displaced Sudanese Children and Youth in Darfur

Education has long been neglected in emergency relief efforts. Historically it has been viewed as a development activity having little to contribute to the basic survival and security needs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Addressing the protective role of education in emergency situations will help policymakers understand why and how education may protect youth and children in emergency situations.

Cynthia Lloyd represented the Population Council at the launch of the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, cofounded by Angelina Jolie.

Photo credit: Clinton Global Initiative

Findings gathered from this project will provide the empirical evidence necessary to prove the protective role of education in emergencies for displaced children and youth. The project will be directly influenced by information gathered from local educators and displaced children and youth.

These findings will make the case for increased funding for education from the outset of an emergency and improve education interventions to ensure the greatest protective impact. In this way, the project has the potential to create long-lasting change that will significantly affect the lives of millions of displaced persons all over the world.

The project will consist of four phases: (1) a rapid assessment of the research situation; (2) a qualitative study; (3) a quantitative study; (4) a dissemination report.

The most immediate outcome of the project will be a published report highlighting the results of the research, as well as further research and policy recommendations.

The longer-term outcome of the project will be the improved design and implementation of high-quality, safe education for refugees and internally displaced children and youth. The project's success will be evaluated by audience perceptions of project outcomes during the advocacy campaign and by the extent to which the project findings serve as empirical evidence for the adoption of education programs in emergency situations.

Location

Darfur, Sudan

Duration

September 2007–December 2009

Population Council researchers

El Daw Suliman, Ragui Assaad, Manzoul Assal, Cynthia Lloyd, Jenny Robinson

Non-Council collaborator

Jennifer Perlman Robinson (Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children)

Donor

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation