[Blog] We Are Not Entirely Free Until All Children Are Free (DRC)

This opinion piece tells about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the impact war and conflict have on the children and their education.

“The DRC’s lands are among the richest in the world—abundant with cobalt, coltan, diamonds, and other minerals that power our smartphones, electric vehicles, and global industries. If these resources were harnessed ethically and sustainably for the benefit of the Congolese people rather than fueling cycles of exploitation and war, children would reap the gifts of their motherland instead of being trapped in displacement and dependence on global aid.”

Read the blog. 

[Blog] Schools are the heart of migrants’ integration and resilience

Katy Noble, the Head of Education in Emergencies at Teach For All, writes about migration, its issues and education:

“Host countries face significant challenges in integrating migrant students. Schools often serve as the first point of integration for newly arrived children, but they are also ‘ground zero’ for tensions. … We can build education systems that are responsive to the realities of migration and uphold the dignity of all children on the move by developing collective leadership.”

Read the blog. 

[Blog] Emotional Compass: From an orange blanket to a systematic approach to social and emotional learning in Slovakia

This blog introduces the first systematic and long-term social and emotional learning (SEL) program tailored to the needs and realities of Slovak schools—Emocionálny Kompas (Emotional Compass). It shows its journey and success and gives links to further resources, which are freely available (in Slovak).

“Our current work entails developing teacher books and a learning platform with ready-made materials and activities for every grade to support the highest number of teachers possible. Teachers tell us stories about success implementing strategies such as those related to anger management. Others have also reported moving stories of how the program has helped their students with processing difficult feelings like grief and sadness.”

Read the blog. 

[Podcast] Educate Us! (INEE)

The complete season four of INEE’s Educate Us! Podcast is available.

Educate Us! Women and Girls on Learning in Humanitarian Crises is an INEE podcast series about women’s and girls’ education in humanitarian crises. The series features a range of stories and perspectives on women’s and girls’ education in emergencies and explores the gains made in girls’ education and the slip backwards caused by the pandemic.

This series is a broad and intimate invitation for listeners to hear the stories behind the statistics, from the women and girls who live them.

You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Stitcher, etc. and INEE’s own website. https://inee.org/gender/educate-us-podcast

[Blog] Transforming Pakistan’s Education Future Through Evidence-Based Research

In Pakistan, the Data and Research in Education – Research Consortium (DARE-RC) is tackling the challenges of the education system’s systemic inequities and vulnerability to shocks.

DARE-RC programme’s focus is to uncover what works, why it works, and how it can be scaled to create an education system that delivers access, quality, continuity, and coherence—especially for Pakistan’s most marginalised children. DARE-RC envisions a future where every child in Pakistan, regardless of gender, location, disability, religion, or socioeconomic background, has access to high-quality education.

By addressing systemic barriers, scaling successful interventions, and leveraging evidence-based practices, DARE-RC is driving systematic change to reshape Pakistan’s education landscape.

Read the blog. 

[Blog] Ukraine: Making education accessible when schools are closed

School closures, attacks on schools, lack of devices and connectivity, displacement and constant stress have led to Ukrainian children experiencing profound learning losses and missing out on opportunities to socialize with their peers. Through a combination of financial support from GPE, implementation support from UNICEF, and financial and in-kind support from Microsoft and Google, Ukraine is opening Digital Learning Centers equipped with computers and an internet connection in places where schools cannot reopen. Students go to Digital Learning Centers to connect to online classes, study in a quiet space or with peers, and participate in catch-up classes with teachers.

Read the blog.

[Webinar] Book launch: ‘Intergenerational Literacy and Learning – International Perspectives’

Date: 2 April 2025.

Time: 14-15:30h CEST.

Location: online (Zoom).

On 2 April 2025, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), together with the Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy at Penn State College of Education (USA), will launch the new book, Family and Intergenerational Literacy and Learning: An International and Comparative Perspective, edited by Ms. Esther Prins (Penn State’s Goodling Institute) and Ms. Rakhat Zholdoshalieva (UIL) through a webinar.

Often, it is argued that family and intergenerational literacy and learning programmes benefit both children and adults — boosting their literacy, numeracy, self-esteem, social connections, and lifelong learning opportunities. While this argument is still included, the new book primarily aims at centering the perspectives and practices of marginalized and disadvantaged communities and groups to challenge existing narratives and offer alternative insights into informal learning, digital and oral literacies, and culturally embedded educational and learning practices worldwide.

Read more information and register.

[Webinar] Global Alliance for Literacy: ‘Her literacy, her power: Bridging the gender gap in literacy’

Date: 9 April 2025.

Time: 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m CEST.

Location: online.

This event, organized in collaboration by Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) will provide a platform for literacy stakeholders from GAL countries to exchange insights on policies, programs, and research dedicated to advancing women’s literacy. The webinar aims to:

  • Share gender-responsive literacy policies in GAL countries, highlighting key enablers and barriers to women’s literacy.

  • Present promising literacy programs that have enriched learning opportunities and empowerment for women.

  • Highlight recent research and insights on trends, challenges, and innovations in women’s literacy.

Read more information.

 

[Conference] Education in Emergencies: A lifeline for the future

Date: 20 to 21 May 2025.

Location: University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Education in Emergencies: A Lifeline for the Future: this two-day international conference, hosted by Finn Church Aid and the University of Helsinki, is an opportunity to connect with leading experts, educators, academia and policymakers shaping the future of education in emergencies and protracted crises.

Read more information and register.

[Webinar] PlayMatters: Learning through Play in Emergencies Package, Global Launch

Date: 31 March 2025.

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (UTC).

Location: online (Zoom).

The PlayMatters project team is hosting a Global Launch of the PlayMatters Learning to Play in Emergencies (LtPiE) Package. This open-access, evidence-based package is designed to integrate Learning through Play (LtP) into acute emergency response with adaptable resources for both formal and nonformal learning spaces.

Built on lessons from PlayMatters’ crisis-response pivots in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, these materials have already been adapted for use in South Sudan, the DRC, and Northwest Syria. The webinar is organised by International Rescue Committee, Plan International and the War Child Alliance.

Read more information and register.