Education in the twenty‐first century: Conflict, reconstruction and reconciliation1

1. This paper draws upon a report for the UK Department for International Development (DFID) on education, conflict and international development (Smith & Vaux, 2003) and was the basis for a keynote address to the 2004 biennial conference of the British Association for International and Comparative Education (BAICE).

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to map out an emerging, and increasingly important field of study concerning the relationship between education and conflict. The field has two main parameters. The first involves the variety of contexts within which education systems are required to operate. Distinctions are drawn between education that is provided within relatively peaceful and stable environments; during times of violent conflict; as part of reconstruction following conflict or political transition; and as part of longer term peace and reconciliation processes. Educational priorities and concerns may be quite different depending on each of these circumstances. The second parameter concerns different levels of action within an education system. These include the political and policy environment, administrative and structural features and various aspects of educational practice. The paper argues that actions through various ‘entry points’ at each of these levels carry the potential to exacerbate or ameliorate conflict and suggests that a systemic analysis of investments in education systems from a conflict perspective should be a routine part of educational planning.

Keywords:

• Education For All
• Conflict
• International development
• Reconstruction
• Reconciliation

Notes

1. This paper draws upon a report for the UK Department for International Development (DFID) on education, conflict and international development (Smith & Vaux, 2003) and was the basis for a keynote address to the 2004 biennial conference of the British Association for International and Comparative Education (BAICE).

2. See Millennium Development Goals (MDG) http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals

3. See Education For All (EFA) http://www.unesco.org/education/efa/index.shtml

4. See Inter‐Agency Network on Education in Emergencies (INEE) http://www.ineesite.org

5. See UNESCO IIEP http://www.unesco.org/iiep/eng/focus/emergency/emergency_1.htm

6. See http://www.restorativejustice.org

7. See UNHCR http://www.unhcr.ch/cgi‐bin/texis/vtx/home