International Day to Protect Education from Attack

In many parts of Africa, education faces mounting challenges. Armed conflict, political instability, poverty, and displacement have disrupted learning for millions of children and youth. Attacks on schools, the targeting of teachers, and the destruction of learning infrastructure are increasingly common in conflict-affected regions. Beyond physical insecurity, education is also “under attack” from systemic challenges such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to quality materials. These realities threaten not only the right to education but also broader goals of human development and social stability.

In this context, digital innovation has emerged as both a necessity and an opportunity. Mobile learning platforms, radio-based lessons, and online resources have enabled continuity of education where classrooms are closed or unsafe. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, digital tools provided a lifeline for learning across the continent. Today, with growing investment in edtech, digital innovation is viewed as a way to expand access, personalise learning, and reduce educational inequalities.

Yet there is a necessary caution. While digital tools can strengthen education systems, they must not displace or diminish the value of traditional forms of learning, such as books, pamphlets, and printed materials. In many African communities, particularly in rural and low-income areas, printed resources remain the most reliable and affordable means for learners to access information. Books do not require electricity, internet connectivity, or expensive devices. They can be shared across households and schools, stored for years, and used in contexts where digital access is limited or absent.

The challenge, therefore, is to strike a balance. Digital innovation should be seen as a complement, not a replacement, for traditional learning resources. For example, a blended approach could combine printed textbooks with digital content, allowing students to benefit from both. Governments and education stakeholders could invest in hybrid learning models, where printed pamphlets are distributed to learners while digital platforms provide supplementary exercises or interactive content. This dual approach ensures resilience: when connectivity fails or devices are unavailable, students can still rely on books and printed materials for support.

Another consideration is cultural and contextual sensitivity. Traditional learning tools such as storybooks and pamphlets often reflect local languages, histories, and identities. Digital platforms, while powerful, risk privileging dominant languages or imported content that may not resonate with learners. Safeguarding traditional learning resources helps preserve cultural relevance and inclusivity within African education systems.

Ultimately, protecting education means not only defending schools and teachers from physical attacks but also ensuring that the drive toward innovation does not inadvertently erode proven, accessible, and culturally grounded forms of learning. The future lies in complementarity. By combining the durability of books with the flexibility of digital tools, Africa can build education systems that are both resilient to crises and responsive to the demands of the modern world.