Central Sahel: New report finds over half of children are afraid going to school

Relentless attacks and threats against schools in the Central Sahel are driving alarming levels of stress among children in conflict- affected areas, with 53% saying they do not feel safe at school, reveals the Norwegian Refugee Council in a new report.

The report finds that conflict is having a heavy psychological impact on children, affecting their behaviour and learning capacity. Almost two-thirds (64%) of children reported having little to no hope for their future.

High level of stress and trauma lead children to underperform at school. Almost two-thirds (62%) of children reported being unable to concentrate and 9 out of 10 having issues dealing with their emotions, such as anger and anxiety. To cope, some children isolate themselves, no longer interacting with their peers or participating in class. Others express their trauma through anger, and aggression or panic attacks.

Widespread insecurity has also led over 5,500 schools to shut down in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, barring children from learning and leaving them without a much-needed support network.

Despite soaring needs, funding and support for the education sector trails behind in the humanitarian response. Only 6.5% of the education needs were covered in 2021 in Burkina Faso, and 7.9% in Niger, making it the least funded sector of the humanitarian response in both countries.

Schools can play an essential role in healing the psychological wounds of millions of children and help them regain a sense of normality. But first, they must become safe places again.