March 14, 2026

#global: Millions of children face disrupted schooling as Middle East conflict escalates

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 14, 2026

At least 52 million school-aged children across the Middle East and surrounding region are facing major disruptions to their education as conflict spreads and intensifies, according to humanitarian organisation Save the Children.

The organisation says millions of children have either been forced to stop attending school, move to remote learning or face repeated interruptions because of damaged infrastructure, insecurity and displacement caused by the fighting.

Schools across several countries have been affected as violence spreads through the region, with some buildings damaged, destroyed or repurposed as shelters for displaced families. In many areas, ongoing airstrikes, military operations and population displacement have made it impossible for children to attend classes safely.

Humanitarian groups say the education crisis is unfolding alongside wider risks facing children, including trauma, displacement and reduced protection from exploitation or harm. When schools close during conflicts, children often lose not only access to education but also vital support networks, safety structures and routine.

Aid organisations are warning that the longer schools remain disrupted, the greater the long-term consequences for young people. Interrupted schooling can lead to lasting setbacks in learning, increased dropout rates and heightened vulnerability for children already living in fragile environments.

Save the Children and other humanitarian agencies say emergency education programmes are being deployed in some areas to help maintain learning and provide safe spaces for children affected by conflict. These programmes aim to support children’s wellbeing while ensuring they remain connected to education during periods of crisis.

The organisation is also calling on the international community to increase humanitarian assistance and protect education systems during armed conflict, warning that without urgent action millions of children risk losing critical years of schooling as the regional crisis deepens.

Humanitarian agencies say the disruption highlights the growing impact of conflict on education systems globally and the urgent need to safeguard schools and learning environments during times of war.