Educating Children in Conflict Zones

Research, Policy, and Practice for Systemic Change--A Tribute to Jackie Kirk

Inspired by the work of the late Dr. Jacqueline Kirk, this book takes a penetrating look at the challenges of delivering quality education to the approximately 39 million out-of-school children around the world who live in situations affected by violent conflict. With chapters by leading researchers on education in war and other conflict zones, the volume provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the links between conflict and children’s access to education, as well as a review of the policies and approaches taken by those offering international assistance in this area. Empirical case studies drawn from diverse contexts—Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Uganda (among others)—offer readers a deeper understanding of the educational needs of these children and the practical challenges to meeting these needs. This inspiring collection:

• Extends the legacy of the work that Jacqueline Kirk passionately pursued in her lifetime.


• Includes several pieces of Jackie’s writings plus new chapters from preeminent scholars in the field of education in conflict.


• Focuses on lessons that can be learned from the views of children and educators on the ground.


• Introduces cutting-edge approaches to field research, including impact evaluation and the use of photo-narrative.


• Presents promising policy developments and pioneering programs that are making a difference in the lives of children affected by conflict.

Contributors: Lesley Bartlett • Stephanie Bengtsson • Lyndsay Bird • Peter Buckland • Dana Burde • Lynn Davies • Sarah Dryden-Peterson • Dorian Gay • Elisabeth King • Jackie Kirk • Claudia Mitchell • Karen Mundy • Mario Novelli • Morten Sigsgaard • Susan Shepler • Victoria Turrent • Charlotte Wilson • Rebecca Winthrop

Karen Mundy is Director of the Comparative, International, and Development Education Centre (CIDEC) and Associate Professor of Adult Education and Community Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto (OISE/UT). Sarah Dryden-Peterson is a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada postdoctoral fellow affiliated with CIDEC.

“Injustice anywhere upsets me deeply. Too many children living in conflict face the great injustice of being denied their right to education. This book captures the voices of children and teachers in their craving for a better world. Education is the key to that world. Inspiring and refreshing, this book is hopeful. Its new ideas give promise to children living in conflict for the chance at a quality education, a better future, and lives of peace.”

—Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

“This volume is a wonderful testimony to the passionate pursuit that animated Jackie Kirk. It is particularly apt that Jackie's own writings are included. The book represents a remarkable collaboration of impressive colleagues.”

—George Rupp, President and CEO, International Rescue Committee