Minimum Standards for Education: Preparedness, Response, Recovery

Overview & Synopsis

Education in emergencies comprises learning opportunities for all ages. It encompasses early childhood development, primary, secondary, non-formal, technical, vocational, higher and adult education. In emergency situations through to recovery, quality education provides physical, psychosocial and cognitive protection that can sustain and save lives. Education in emergencies ensures dignity and sustains life by offering safe spaces for learning, where children and youth who need other assistance can be identified and supported. Quality education saves lives by providing physical protection from the dangers and exploitation of a crisis environment. However, education's life-sustaining and life-saving role has been recognised and the inclusion of education within humanitarian response is now considered critical. Education is an integral part of the planning and provision of humanitarian response, which goes beyond providing immediate relief. Coordination and collaboration between education and other emergency sectors are essential for an effective response that addresses the rights and needs of all learners. This is reflected in the Sphere-INEE Companionship Agreement and the work of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)'s Education Cluster. This Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Minimum Standards Handbook contains 19 standards, each with accompanying key actions and guidance notes. This handbook aims to enhance the quality of educational preparedness, response and recovery, increase access to safe and relevant learning opportunities and ensure accountability in providing these services. The focus of the INEE Minimum Standards Handbook is on ensuring quality, coordinated humanitarian response: meeting the educational rights and needs of people affected by disaster through processes that assert their dignity. Appended are: (1) Glossary; (2) Acronyms; (3) Index; and (4) Feedback Form.