Dr. Jerome Marston is a senior researcher at the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA).

Let’s Recommit to Protecting Students, Educators and Schools from Attack

On 8 May 2021, a barbaric attack targeting students at the Sayed ul-Shuhada high school in Afghanistan killed 85 people, 42 of them girls, and injured more than 200. Zakia, 12, is determined to return to school and achieve her dreams. © UNICEF/UN0514375/

Education is fundamental, even during war. Access to learning can give children and young people the knowledge and abilities needed to contribute to their communities and economies—and the skills to resolve disputes and rebuild after conflict.