Transforming Temporary Learning Spaces: A Sustainable Initiative for Crisis-Affected Children

As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of crises around the globe, the importance of creating sustainable learning environments for affected children cannot be overstated. Education Cannot Wait (ECW) has recently announced a significant initiative, backed by a $650,000 Acceleration Facility grant to Save the Children, in a collaborative effort with Arup and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This partnership aims to set new standards for environmentally responsible temporary learning spaces that cater to children caught in emergencies.

Temporary learning spaces serve as crucial lifelines in various crisis situations, such as refugee camps in Bangladesh and flood-affected areas in South Sudan. However, the existing frameworks for establishing these facilities lack comprehensive guidelines on how to design, manage, and operate them sustainably. Often, these structures lead to waste and environmental degradation, further compromising the learning conditions for vulnerable children.

This initiative is a unique collaboration that combines the expertise of Save the Children in child rights advocacy and emergency response with Arup's engineering innovations and WWF's environmental knowledge. Marian Hodgkin, Global Head of Education at Save the Children, emphasized that these temporary learning spaces not only provide immediate stability but also need to be designed with longevity in mind. By involving children in the planning process, these spaces can become safer and more relevant to their needs. “Investing in sustainable learning environments reflects our commitment to children’s futures,” she noted.

According to Hayley Gryc, Associate Director at Arup, the firm is delighted to participate in this initiative. It represents an important step toward merging education with climate action, ensuring that temporary learning spaces can uphold both human dignity and environmental stewardship, even in tumultuous settings. This mindset is crucial, as these havens help children regain a sense of normalcy after disasters. However, if these spaces are not thoughtfully constructed, they may inadvertently worsen the challenges faced by communities grappling with climate-related disasters.

The proposed framework will lead to the development, piloting, and sharing of practical tools for stakeholders in crisis-affected education sectors, focusing on every aspect of temporary learning spaces. This includes design, material sourcing, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. Central to this guidance will be an emphasis on low-impact construction methods and local adaptations that take into consideration the community’s unique needs. Inclusivity will be a key component, particularly concerning children with disabilities and others who face gender-based barriers.

Furthermore, a global framework will be established to systematically address the greening of temporary learning spaces, drawing feedback from both local and international stakeholders. It will include cost-effective tools that can be practically implemented in different crisis scenarios, thus ensuring the guidelines are relevant and beneficial in real-world applications.

The commitment of the ECW to foster climate-smart education in emergencies highlights the importance of collective investment in educational initiatives linked to climate action. In light of these efforts, it aligns with the calls to action emerging from COP30 and contributes to the broader mission of strengthening education systems amidst rising climate and humanitarian challenges.

As we witness the intersection of climate change and education, this initiative emphasizes a forward-thinking approach where educational institutions are not just places of learning but also models of sustainability. The hope is that by creating greener temporary learning spaces, we can encourage an ethos of environmental responsibility among children, ultimately fostering a generation that prioritizes sustainability in all facets of life. With the world watching, the collaboration between these organizations promises a pragmatic and hopeful pathway forward for vulnerable children caught in crises.

In conclusion, the partnership of Education Cannot Wait, Save the Children, Arup, and WWF serves as a beacon of hope for children in crisis. It demonstrates how innovative, sustainable solutions can create meaningful impact through education, ultimately leading to a more resilient future for all. Through this bold initiative, we may inspire change not only within temporary learning environments but also within the larger context of humanitarian responses and education reform in the face of climate change.