Learning is Their Future – Darfuri Refugees in Eastern Chad

Before you begin

Before you begin this e-learning module, please ensure that you use the following software and settings:

The case study

Global position of Darfur region shown around border between Chad and Sudan in Africa

© ChildFund International

This case study uses the example of the Darfur refugee crisis to demonstrate how the Minimum Standards for Education: Preparedness, Response, Recovery—the foundational tool of the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)—could be used as a framework for designing quality education programmes in conflict-induced refugee situations.

The INEE Minimum Standards can be used to design education policy and programming for all types of emergencies, including internal displacement, earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods. This case study, however, only looks at conflict-induced displacement and a refugee camp situation. Even within Chad, there are many emergencies, including refugee and internally displaced situations in various parts of the country, but this case study does not seek to look at all of these scenarios.

The case study uses multi-media to present scenarios of education programmes in the Darfur refugee camps in Eastern Chad, including a UNHCR video called “Learning is Their Future - Darfuri Refugees in Eastern Chad”, photographs, articles and reports. After watching the short clips of the film and examining the photos and other information provided, sets of questions will help you learn how the INEE Minimum Standards could be used in such situations to improve the quality of education assistance.

This case study should not be seen as a criticism of the refugee education response in Chad, but as a learning exercise that aims to improve responses to future emergencies. Responding to such situations is not an easy task because emergencies are complex, resources may be scarce, and the problems needing an immediate response may be numerous.

Aim of this case study

This case study aims to:

  1. Increase learners’ knowledge about the INEE Minimum Standards and how they can be applied to a refugee situation.
  2. Increase learners’ knowledge of why education in emergencies is life-saving and life-sustaining and what defines safe and quality education in emergencies.
Darfur refugee camp

© MK Nobil

Target audience

This case study has been designed to strengthen the capacity of individuals and agencies working in the fields of education in emergencies and international education. The case study uses education technical terminology and requires at least basic knowledge of education in humanitarian contexts. Specifically, the target audience includes:

  1. Education practitioners, e.g., staff of United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community based organisations
  2. Ministry of Education (MOE) representatives
  3. Donor agencies
  4. University students studying education in emergencies

INEE Minimum Standards Handbook

INEE Minimum Standards Handbook

Development of INEE Minimum Standards (2003-2004)

  • Consultative process of more than 2,250 people from 50 countries
  • Included on-line and face-to-face meetings in North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Europe

Update of INEE Minimum Standards (2009-2010)

  • Consultative process of more than 1,300 people from 52 countries
  • Included on-line and face-to-face consultations in North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Europe
  • Updated to include recent developments in the field of education in emergencies, such as the IASC Education Cluster
  • Mainstreamed 11 thematic issues: conflict mitigation, disaster risk reduction, early childhood development, gender, HIV and AIDS, human rights, inter-sectoral linkages, inclusive education, protection, psychosocial support, and youth

Goals of INEE Minimum Standards

  • Common starting point to reach a minimum level of educational quality and access
  • Tool to improve coordination and enhance accountability and predictability
  • Tool for capacity development and training
  • Aid to strengthen the resilience capacity of Ministries of Education for education preparedness, response and recovery

Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)

Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)

INEE is an open, global network of practitioners and policy makers working together to ensure all persons the right to quality education and a safe learning environment in emergencies and post-crisis recovery. INEE aims to:

  • Work to ensure the right to education in emergencies through to recovery
  • Share good practices, tools and research
  • Encourage information sharing among members and partners