Monday 4 July 2011

REFUGEE EDUCATION- A TOOL FOR LIBERATION

Several countries especially in the third world have not known peace for decades. Continuous civil conflict has forced millions to abandon their home countries to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The primary motivation for such exodus is to pursue a peaceful existence- a life with assurance of safety. This has resulted to the formation of refugee camps in the host countries. When the refugees arrive in these camps, they are relieved for some time since they are assured no one is running after their heads. However, this feeling last just for a short time. As days go by, they start to realize that there is a future to think of. This is more so fueled by the often pathetic conditions of life in the refugee camps. They start looking for means of emancipation and self reliance and here, education takes center stage.

Education has been identified as one of the most important tools of emancipation for vulnerable communities for a long time. The refugee community in the world is by no means an exemption. The availability and quality of education in these refugee camps is however questionable. Take the case of Dadaab refugee camp, for example. This is one of the largest refugee camps in the world, with a population that is approaching half a million people. Of the total number of children of primary school going age, more than half are out of school. This is quite a pathetic situation since its breeding a society which will not value education, since it was not educated itself.

The reasons behind poor quality and quantity of education in refugee camps are many, but top among them is the lack of adequate funding. Education is not considered a priority by humanitarian agencies such as UN. This explains why this sector receives a very low percentage of total funds released for humanitarian work, especially in the refugee setting.

Its is important to understand that education has the capacity to mitigate the costs associated with issues such as health, drug abuse and crime. More funds should therefore be allocated to this sector for the long term benefits associated with educating a society. Refugee settings such as Dadaab should no longer be considered as emergency situation since they have been there for more than 20 years. Strategic plans need to be put in place and humanitarian agencies need to be proactive in their operations.    

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