Conflict and protracted crises, such as war, natural disasters, and public health emergencies are a serious threat to the education of millions of children worldwide. 1 in 3 of the 124 million children out-of-school live in fragile or conflict-affected situations.

During conflict or war, schools are often destroyed, misused, or become unsafe while students and teachers may be forced to flee. Girls are often the most affected in these situations: they are more than twice as likely to be out of school as boys.

Education can provide security for children, as well as a sense of normalcy. In addition, it can help build the foundation for peaceful and stable societies. However, education is often overlooked when responding to humanitarian situations, where food, shelter and security are prioritized. In fact, only 2% of humanitarian aid was invested in education in 2013.

The total annual cost of providing all children affected by conflict and crisis is estimated at US$8 billion, 40% of which will likely be covered by domestic funding, leaving a US$4.8 billion funding gap. 

GPE supports countries to help them strengthen and rebuild their education systems, during and after a crisis. Almost 60% of GPE funding in 2015 supported fragile and conflict-affected countries.  

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