Inclusive Education in Times of Crisis

ABSTRACT

Children are powerful agents of change when given the chance to succeed. However, due to protracted crises and natural disasters, an estimated 33 million children have been forcibly displaced worldwide and denied their childhoods and an opportunity to reach their full potential. Psychosocial support is key to bridging the learning gap that displaced and out-of-school children face. Introducing this support through social emotional learning (SEL) allows children to build the resilience they need to thrive. The lack of psychosocial support and the impact of forced displacement on the mental health of children is an ongoing problem that has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working to address the effects of toxic stress and adverse experiences in childhood, can mitigate the vicious cycle of trauma and violence and reduce the rippling effect on future generations.