Education in Emergencies: ERG’s Experiences and Recommendations in the Aftermath of the February 6th Earthquakes

Abstract

As a result of disasters, children’s access to education is restricted, the quality of education services is adversely affected, and education staff becomes less capable of supporting children at risk. Education has critical roles at every stage of the disaster management cycle. In the aftermath of the February 6th 2023 earthquakes, besides monitoring the effects of earthquakes on education, and newly initiated education policies and practices, Education Reform Initiative (ERG) aims to support solidarity among civil society actors and to facilitate joint monitoring efforts. These efforts take into consideration not only the roles that education can play in recovery processes but also the roles that education should assume in the prevention and/or mitigation of possible future emergencies. It is emphasized that current interventions should take into account the chronic problems that predate the earthquakes, and the needs of vulnerable groups. Moreover, the need to reinforce the child protection system, of which education services are an essential component, is highlighted.