Education in Times of Emergency

 

DGA Director Simon Reich with Meryl Streep

Wednesday, April 21, 2010- Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser of Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted a book launch for Even Chaos: Education in Times of Emergency (Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation and Fordham University Press). Simon Reich, Director of the Division of Global Affairs at Rutgers Newark, was one of 18 panelists who were welcomed by over 65 guests.

"Even in Chaos," by Dr. Kevin Cahill (Fordham University) emphasizes the need for education in refugee camps, as well as the importance of safety from militia attacks. Reich’s chapter, ‘Establishing Safe Learning Environments,’ addresses the need for the protection and education of African children living in refugee camps due to conflict.

Actress Meryl Streep and panel discussant emphasized that, "young lives can be saved by the order and safety of school, It lets children know: here you are safe. Here there’s understanding. Here there is care. Here there’s a future and here’s how you’re going to get there.” 

Other contributors to the volume included, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, wife of the Qatari Emir and legendary poet Maya Angelou, who contributed a closing poem to the volume. The issue of continuing education in crises, such as in conflict and in natural disasters, has become a central issue for UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, UNESCO and within policy circles over last several years. This edited volume, the 8th of its kind, is an important resource for the international community to draw from with respect to employing greater advocacy and in effectively implementing best practices.

Meryl Streep listens attentively to DGA Director Simon Reich