“Education is not a privilege; it is a basic human right that no one can take away.” These words from Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for education, resonate deeply on 9 September, the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Across Africa, where conflict and instability continue to ravage schools, students, and teachers, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard the future of millions of children. In many parts of the continent, schools have become battlegrounds, with severe consequences for African youth and the region’s development.
Education Under Siege in Africa
Africa’s struggle to protect education from attacks is longstanding. The continent has witnessed the deliberate targeting of schools and educational institutions, transforming places of learning into zones of conflict. During apartheid in South Africa, education was used as a tool of oppression, with black schools underfunded and often attacked. Today, violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram in Nigeria, Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and armed militias in countries like the Central African Republic and Mali continue to exploit education as a symbol of state authority, with devastating impacts.
According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), between 2020 and 2021, there were over 2,000 recorded attacks on educational institutions across Africa. These attacks not only result in the destruction of infrastructure but also displace students and teachers, destabilising communities. In Nigeria alone, hundreds of students have been kidnapped, with one of the most notorious incidents being the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok by Boko Haram. The United Nations reports that in the past decade, conflict-related violence has led to more than 1,680 children being abducted while at school or elsewhere; 180 children killed due to attacks on schools; an estimated 60 school staff kidnapped, with 14 killed; and over 70 attacks on schools. This tragedy brought global attention to the vulnerability of schools in conflict zones, particularly for students.
The Human Cost of Attacks on Education
The ripple effects of these attacks on education extend far beyond immediate physical damage. Each time a school is attacked, children lose access to their one opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Schools are often forced to close, leaving children out of the classroom for years. Consequently, generations are deprived of education, leading to higher rates of unemployment, crime, and poverty. The loss of education also threatens the long-term development and peace of African nations.
The situation is particularly dire for girls. In conflict zones across Africa, girls face the added threat of gender-based violence, exploitation, and early marriage when schools are unsafe. According to UNICEF, for every 10 boys out of school in conflict-affected areas, there are 12 girls. This growing gender disparity highlights the urgent need for targeted measures to ensure that girls, in particular, can access safe education.
Global Efforts to Protect Education in Africa
International organisations have played a critical role in addressing the crisis of attacks on education in Africa. They work alongside governments, local communities, and other stakeholders to provide emergency support and develop long-term strategies for protecting schools.
UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund has led education initiatives in conflict-affected regions. In northern Nigeria, UNICEF established temporary learning spaces and distributed materials to keep education going, even in areas where violence has displaced thousands of families. Similar efforts are underway in countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where ongoing conflicts have devastated educational systems.
Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA): The GCPEA documents and reports attacks on education worldwide, with a particular focus on conflict-prone regions like Africa. Their annual reports provide crucial data for policymakers and advocates. The GCPEA also promotes the Safe Schools Declaration, encouraging governments to commit to protecting educational institutions from military use during conflicts.
UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been instrumental in advancing education in Africa through initiatives like the Education Cannot Wait programme. This initiative focuses on emergency education for children affected by conflict, ensuring that displaced and vulnerable children have access to safe learning environments.
This is particularly alarming given that Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world. Over 70% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, meaning the future of Africa depends on its ability to provide education to its youth. If education continues to be under attack, Africa risks losing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and skilled workers.
Voices of Advocacy: Global Leaders Speak Out
Key figures in the global education sector have emphasised the importance of protecting education, particularly in regions affected by conflict. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called education “a lifeline” for children in conflict zones, stating, “Protecting schools from attacks is not only a moral obligation but a necessity for building peaceful and resilient societies.”
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has also underscored the importance of education for long-term development: “Education is the foundation for peace, development, and prosperity. Attacks on schools are an attack on the future of entire societies, particularly in regions like Africa, where education holds the key to unlocking the continent’s potential.”
Key Strategies for Securing Education in Africa
Protecting education in Africa requires a multifaceted approach involving governments, international organisations, local communities, and civil society. To secure safe learning environments for African students, the following recommendations must be implemented:
Adopt and Enforce Legal Protections: African governments must adopt and fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, committing to protect schools during armed conflict. Legal frameworks should also be strengthened to ensure that those responsible for attacks on education are held accountable.
Increase Funding for Education in Emergencies: International donors should prioritise funding for education in conflict-affected areas. This includes rebuilding destroyed schools, providing psychological support for traumatised students, and creating safe spaces for learning in regions where violence is ongoing.
Community Engagement and Resilience: Local communities must play an active role in safeguarding education. By involving parents, community leaders, and students in security efforts, schools can be better protected. Programmes like community-led school watch initiatives and peace education can reduce the risk of attacks.
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Focus on Girls’ Education: Governments and international organisations must prioritise the protection of girls in conflict zones. This includes developing specific programmes to ensure girls can access education safely and without fear of violence or exploitation.
Address Root Causes of Conflict: Long-term solutions to protect education must focus on addressing the root causes of conflict in Africa, including poverty, political instability, and inequality. Peacebuilding and inclusive development strategies are essential for creating environments where education can thrive.
The International Day to Protect Education from Attack is a call to action for the global community, particularly for Africa. As conflicts continue to disrupt education across the continent, protecting schools, students, and teachers must be an urgent priority. By working together, governments, international organisations, and communities can ensure that African children have access to the safe, quality education they need to build a brighter, more peaceful future.
