Editorial: Protecting education at all costs? Education in times of crisis and conflict

The editorial “Protecting Education at All Costs? Education in Times of Crisis and Conflict”, by Dr Ritesh Shah, introduces a collection of research launched in response to growing global disruptions—such as COVID-19, armed conflict, and climate disasters. It emphasizes the complex, often contradictory roles education plays during crises: as a human right, a tool for protection, and an instrument of development. The contributing articles examine how conflict disrupts students’ aspirations (e.g. in Ethiopia), how governments managed school closures during COVID-19, and how curricula and teaching practices can both support peace or serve ideological agendas (e.g. under ISIS). They also highlight the overlooked burden on teachers and the need to recognize students’ agency, especially in contexts like Mali. Collectively, the issue challenges simplistic or one-size-fits-all approaches to education in emergencies, urging the sector to prioritize context-sensitive, community-driven, and sustainable responses that center the voices and needs of learners and educators. Read more: Frontiers | Editorial: Protecting education at all costs? Education in times of crisis and conflict