#USA #New York #Education Cannot Wait #Save the Children #WWF

Creating Greener Learning Spaces in Crisis Situations

As the impacts of climate change grow, the importance of effective emergency education systems becomes increasingly evident. Education Cannot Wait (ECW) recently took a significant step to address this issue by announcing a generous grant of $650,000 to Save the Children. This initiative involves a collaborative effort with prominent organizations like Arup and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to set new standards for creating temporary educational spaces that are both environmentally responsible and resilient.

The Need for Change

In many parts of the world, children find themselves in challenging situations due to crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, or economic instability. From refugee camps in Bangladesh to communities facing severe flooding in South Sudan, temporary learning spaces have become crucial. However, the standards for designing, managing, and constructing these spaces often lack clarity, leading to practices that can worsen both environmental degradation and the quality of education.

A Unique Collaboration

This innovative collaboration combines the expertise of Save the Children in child rights and emergency response, Arup’s technical capabilities, and WWF’s ecological insight. Through this joint effort, the partners aim to ensure that learning environments not only provide immediate educational support but also contribute positively to the environment. Marian Hodgkin, Global Director of Education at Save the Children, emphasized the importance of involving children in the design of these spaces to enhance safety, relevance, and inclusivity. This level of participation fosters a sense of ownership and care among the youth, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Hayley Gryc, Associate Director at Arup, shared her thoughts on the project's significance. She stated, "This initiative is a major step forward in reimagining how education and climate action can be intertwined. In the world's most challenging environments, temporary learning spaces should uphold both human dignity and environmental sustainability." This sentiment is echoed by Anita van Breda from WWF, who highlighted that temporary learning spaces can help children regain a sense of normalcy after disasters.

A Blueprint for Action

The initiative focuses on developing practical, easy-to-use tools for educators operating in crisis regions. The guide will cover the entire lifecycle of temporary learning spaces, from design and material selection to maintenance and dismantling, emphasizing low-impact construction and local adaptation. Additionally, considerations for including children with disabilities and overcoming gender-based barriers will be prioritized.

Global Framework for Sustainability

A comprehensive global framework for the sustainability of temporary educational environments will be developed in collaboration with local and international partners. Practical guides and cost calculation tools will be tested across diverse crisis contexts to ensure their feasibility in emergencies. Open sharing of these tools through educational, climate, and humanitarian networks will promote their widespread usage.

Education Cannot Wait's commitment to climate-smart education in emergencies is demonstrated through this grant. The initiative underscores the urgent need for collective investment in education as a foundational pillar of climate action, aligning with ongoing calls from COP30 for more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive educational systems. By integrating climate resilience into these educational spaces, we can adequately prepare future generations to face increasing climate-related risks.

In summary, this initiative not only seeks to improve the immediate educational experiences of children in crisis but also to pave the way for a more sustainable approach to education in challenging environments. As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of climate change, such innovative collaborations are essential to ensure that the fundamental right to education is preserved while mitigating environmental impact.