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Innovative Educational Initiatives in Crisis Situations

As the impact of climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of crises worldwide, organizations are stepping up to address these challenges in unprecedented ways. Notably, the organizations Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and Save the Children have announced a significant partnership with Arup and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This collaboration aims to establish new standards for eco-friendly temporary educational spaces that cater to children affected by crises.

This substantial initiative is underscored by a grant of $650,000 from ECW to Save the Children, which will facilitate the development of environmentally sustainable educational structures in regions impacted by disasters, from refugee camps in Bangladesh to flood-stricken areas in South Sudan.

Bridging the Gap in Educational Needs

Temporary educational spaces act as a lifeline for children found in precarious situations, providing them with stability and continuity in learning. However, there has been a notable absence of clear guidelines for designing and managing these facilities in a manner that is environmentally responsible, durable, and inclusive. The implications of neglecting sustainable practices can lead not only to environmental degradation but also to challenges that further impair educational conditions.

In an effort to address this gap, the collaboration brings together Save the Children’s expertise in child rights and emergency response, Arup’s technical knowledge in engineering, and WWF’s deep understanding of environmental sustainability. This multidisciplinary partnership emphasizes the necessity of integrating humanitarian assistance with ecological accountability.

Marian Hodgkin, the global head of education for Save the Children, remarked, “Our temporary educational spaces provide hope and stability during crises—an investment in the long-term future of these children. When children contribute to the design of these spaces, we can ensure they are safer, more relevant, and inclusive.”

A Sustainable Approach to Temporary Learning

Hayley Gryc, the education program leader at Arup, expressed pride in collaborating on such a meaningful initiative, stating that it represents a pivotal step in redefining education in the context of climate action. She acknowledged the importance of ensuring that even in the most challenging environments, temporary educational facilities uphold human dignity while promoting environmental stewardship.

Additionally, Anita van Breda, WWF’s director for environmental management, echoed this sentiment, describing temporary educational spaces as havens that help children regain normalcy post-disasters while stressing the importance of incorporating ecological considerations in their designs.

Developing Practical Tools and Guidelines

Under this partnership, practical, user-friendly tools will be developed and tested for education practitioners involved in crisis situations. These guidelines will span the entire lifecycle of temporary educational spaces—from design and material sourcing to maintenance and decommissioning—focusing on low-impact construction methods that adapt to local conditions and needs.

Particular attention will be given to ensuring accessibility for children with disabilities and addressing gender-specific barriers that may exist in various contexts. The initiative will also result in a global framework for greening temporary educational spaces, complete with practically verified tools for cost calculation to ensure their applicability in emergencies.

This initiative aligns with ECW's strategic commitment to climate-smart education in crisis settings. It reflects the urgent need for collective investments in education as a keystone of climate action, consistent with the action challenges emerging from COP30, which supports efforts to make educational systems more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive amidst escalating climate risks.

Through shared networks in education, climate, and humanitarian assistance, these resources will be openly disseminated to promote widespread adoption and lasting impact. The path forward requires an integrated approach that not only meets immediate educational needs but also actively engages in combatting climate challenges, transforming temporary learning environments into beacons of hope and sustainability for future generations.