Keeping Children Safe in Conflict: Beyond Access to Real Protection and Learning

​Event Description

With over 460 million children affected by conflict globally, education systems are under immense strain. While access to schooling remains a priority, it is no longer enough. In many contexts, the real challenge is ensuring that education is safe, meaningful, and able to support children’s wellbeing in the midst of instability.

This discussion explores what quality education looks like in protracted conflict settings, from classroom safety and teacher support to student motivation and learning outcomes. How do we protect children while continuing to deliver education in increasingly volatile environments? What role do mental health and psychosocial support, child protection systems, and community-based approaches play?

We will also examine the importance of locally led solutions, highlighting how educators, school leaders, and governments working within these contexts are driving durable change. At a time of shrinking funding and growing need, this session will explore how innovation, research, and investment can come together to strengthen education in emergencies and ensure that children are not left behind.

​Speakers

• ​Mara Durrell is Executive Director of Rise Alliance for Children, advancing early childhood education and systems change.

• ​Pete Garratt is Director of Global Programmes at Hope and Homes for Children, strengthening family-based care for vulnerable children.

• ​Mark Waddington is the CEO of Hope and Homes for Children, and previously the CEO of War Child

• ​Tessa Boudrie is Regional Director for Asia at Hope and Homes for Children, specialising in child protection systems across the region.

​Discussion Questions
What does “quality education” mean in conflict settings, and how can it be delivered in practice?
How can education systems better protect children and support their wellbeing during conflict?
What role should local actors play in leading and sustaining education systems in fragile contexts?
What innovations or investments are most needed to strengthen education in emergencies at scale?

​Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.