#USA #New York #Education Cannot Wait #Save the Children #World Wildlife Fund

Creating Sustainable Learning Environments in Crisis Situations

The repercussions of climate change are increasingly evident, influencing the frequency and intensity of emergencies worldwide. In response, Education Cannot Wait (ECW), alongside Save the Children, Arup, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has introduced a transformative initiative aimed at redefining temporary learning spaces in crisis-affected areas. With a significant grant of $650,000, this initiative aims to blend education with environmental responsibility, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of escalating climate and humanitarian challenges.

The Importance of Temporary Learning Spaces

In many crisis situations, such as refugee camps or areas struck by natural disasters, temporary learning spaces serve as vital lifelines for children. These environments do more than just provide education; they offer a semblance of normalcy and stability during chaotic times. However, a fundamental issue persists: there's a lack of clear guidance on how these spaces can be built and managed in environmentally friendly ways. Poorly designed learning environments can inadvertently contribute to waste and further environmental degradation, negatively impacting the very learning process they intend to support.

The Innovative Partnership

The union of ECW, Save the Children, Arup, and WWF reflects a powerful collaboration that merges humanitarian efforts with engineering and ecological sustainability. Marian Hodgkin, Global Head of Education at Save the Children, highlighted the importance of children's involvement in shaping these educational spaces, stating, "When children help shape these spaces, we make them safer, more relevant and inclusive. By ensuring these learning spaces are environmentally responsible and resilient, we show children that we are investing in their future."

Hayley Gryc from Arup echoed these sentiments, underscoring the initiative's significance in rethinking how education and climate action can coexist harmoniously. This initiative aims to ensure that temporary learning spaces not only uphold human dignity but also adhere to environmental standards, shaping a better future for the younger generation.

Focus on Inclusive Design

One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to cater to the diverse needs of students, including those with disabilities and those facing gender-based challenges. The guidance developed through this partnership will cover the entire lifecycle of temporary learning spaces—from initial design to material sourcing, maintenance, and decommissioning. It emphasizes low-impact construction and adaptation to the local context, fostering inclusivity while addressing environmental concerns.

The partnership aims to create a global framework that will provide practical tools for educators working in crisis environments. This will include user-friendly resources and guidelines tested across various situations to ensure they meet the unique demands of emergencies. By making these tools widely available, the initiative hopes to spur widespread adoption and significant impacts in the way educational spaces are created and maintained.

The Path Forward

As global leaders converge at COP30 to address pressing climate issues, the timing of this initiative is critical. It draws attention to the vital intersection of education and climate action, reinforcing ECW's commitment to facilitate climate-smart education in emergencies. The actions stemming from this partnership will contribute to strengthening educational frameworks worldwide, encouraging resilient and sustainable practices in an era marked by uncertainty.

Ultimately, this initiative serves as a clarion call for collective action. It highlights the role of education—not merely as a tool for learning, but also as a crucial component in the fight against climate change. By investing in sustainable temporary learning spaces, we are not just enhancing the immediate educational landscape for children in crisis but also securing a more resilient future where both learners and their environments can thrive.