For millions of refugee children, education remains a distant dream, despite it being a human right. Without access to school, these children face a future filled with uncertainty, limited opportunities, and increased risks. With the number of refugee increasing globally, it is more urgent than ever to ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, has access to education.
Is education really that important?
Education is not a privilege, it is a human right, recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 26) and reinforced by international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This right is legally guaranteed for all, regardless of nationality, gender, or status, and obliges governments to make education accessible and non-discriminatory.
Education empowers individuals and is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and building a better future. For refugee children, it offers:
- Safety and Stability: Schools provide a safe haven, routine, and a sense of normalcy for children who have experienced trauma and upheaval.
- Protection: Education reduces the risks of forced recruitment, child labor, sexual exploitation, and early marriage.
- Empowerment: Learning gives children the knowledge and skills to rebuild their lives, become self-sufficient, and contribute to their communities.
- Hope: Education helps children dream of a better future and gives them the tools to achieve it.
Barriers to Education for Refugee Children
Despite its importance, refugee children face numerous barriers to accessing education:
Fleeing From Crisis Into Crisis
Many refugees escape war, violence, or persecution only to arrive in neighboring countries that are themselves experiencing conflict, economic hardship, or political instability. For example, millions of South Sudanese refugees have fled to Ethiopia and Sudan, where the education systems are already under immense pressure and lack the resources to accommodate large numbers of new students. In Central and West Africa, insecurity has forced the closure of more than 13,000 schools, affecting both displaced children and those in host communities.
Legal and Policy Barriers
Many host countries restrict refugees’ access to public schools or require documents that are difficult to obtain, such as birth certificates or previous school records. In some cases, refugees are not allowed to enroll in local schools or take national exams, as seen with Rohingya children in Bangladesh. The government only permits informal education in the camps, using neither the Bangladeshi curriculum nor language, and bars humanitarian agencies from providing formal, accredited education. This policy leaves Rohingya children with no prospect of recognized, quality education and is a deliberate barrier to integration.
Economic Barriers
Even where education is open to refugee children and technically free, the costs of uniforms, textbooks, and transportation can be too high for refugee families, many of whom live in poverty. Children are often forced to work to support their families, making it impossible to attend school regularly.
Language and Cultural Barriers
Refugee children may not speak the language of instruction in their new country, making it difficult to keep up with lessons and integrate with peers. Cultural differences and discrimination can further isolate refugee students and hinder their learning.
Psychological and Social Barriers
Many refugee children have experienced trauma, violence, and loss. Being ripped from their homes, separated from family, and forced to adapt to new environments can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, making it hard to focus on learning. The loss of familiar surroundings, friends, and routines adds to their emotional burden.
What Needs to Be Done on a Global Scale
To guarantee education for refugee children, governments must open national schools to all children, regardless of status, and recognize prior learning so refugees can continue their studies without barriers. Increased, long-term funding from donors and agencies is essential to expand school facilities, train teachers, and provide learning materials.
International cooperation is key. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to share resources and expertise, as seen in initiatives like the Global Compact on Refugees. Schools should offer language support and accelerated learning for those who have missed years of education, and invest in digital learning tools for crisis situations.
Providing mental health support is also crucial for helping refugee children recover and thrive. With political will and global collaboration, we can break down barriers and give every refugee child the chance to learn and succeed.
MOAS Education Initiatives in Malta
Education access for refugees and migrants is a priority for MOAS, and we are committed to removing barriers in Malta.
Our newest project is the Learning and Information Centre at the Ħal Far Hangar Open Centre (check out our youtube video to see what it looks like and how it is used). This vibrant hub offers computers, internet, books, and a welcoming space for both independent study and group activities. Migrants can access language classes, CV writing support, and skills training, helping them integrate and build brighter futures.
We also continue to run English for Beginners classes, providing vital language skills for newcomers to Malta. These classes support confidence, integration, and access to further education and employment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Remote Learning Project provided tablets and internet connections to migrant families, ensuring children could continue their studies despite lockdowns. The tablets are still in use today, helping bridge the digital divide.
Final Thoughts
Education is the foundation for a hopeful and productive future. For refugee and migrant children, access to learning brings stability, protection, and the tools needed to rebuild their lives.
The barriers are many, but with global action and local commitment, real change is possible. At MOAS, we remain dedicated to breaking down these barriers and opening doors to opportunity through our education initiatives in Malta and beyond.
Your support can make a difference. Please consider donating to help us continue our missions and save lives. Visit www.moas.eu/donate to contribute. For more updates on our work, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].