From tablets under the Sudanese sun to desks built from scrap wood in Gaza, the UN is helping keep education afloat for children living through war. Across the globe, 85 million children affected by conflict are currently out of school, the UN said recently, warning that an entire generation risks losing the skills and stability needed to rebuild their futures.
Helena Murseli of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Global Education in Emergencies unit said education during crisis is more than access to books and classrooms—it brings structure, routine, and a sense of safety. “School is often the last thing holding a child’s life together in a conflict zone,” she told UN News. Beyond urgent needs, Murseli stressed education is vital for long-term recovery, helping many children reimagine a future outside of violence.
In Sudan, where 90% of schools remain closed, 19 million children are out of school—the single largest education emergency worldwide. UNICEF has helped 2.4 million children return to learning through more than 850 community centers. The agency has distributed solar-powered tablets and provided food, sanitation, and other essentials so students can continue studying.
In Gaza, nearly 95% of education facilities have been destroyed in months of heavy fighting. UNICEF and partners have responded by setting up temporary classes for 68,000 children, recycling shipment boxes into desks, and distributing digital resources to nearly 300,000 students.
Despite facing airstrikes and power cuts, education continues under pressure in Ukraine. More than 5 million children are affected, with many now learning online or in hybrid setups. In Russian-held areas, the UN says education has become a tool of control—Ukrainian language studies have been banned, violating protections under international law.
