For millions of children living through conflict, war can mean months or even years away from the classroom. From Ukraine to Sudan and Gaza, schools have been damaged or closed and education systems disrupted. As the world marks the International Day to Protect Education from Attack on 9 September, the latest Education Under Attack report says at least 8,566 attacks on education and incidents involving the military use of schools and universities were recorded in 2024 and 2025.
That represents an increase of more than 40% compared with the previous reporting period, with at least 10,600 students, teachers, professors and other education personnel harmed. For Education Above All Foundation Executive Director Dr Maleiha Malik, the numbers point to consequences that can follow children long after the fighting stops. Dr Malik said the damage goes beyond school buildings, affecting entire education systems and potentially feeding “long-term poverty and cycles of violence”.
One of the biggest questions is what happens to children who have already missed months or years of education. Dr Malik says accelerated learning programmes and technology can help close some of those gaps, but there are limits to what can be recovered. We can't.” According to her, the COVID-19 pandemic showed both the cost of disrupted education and how learning can continue when children cannot physically be in a classroom.
But catching up academically is only part of the challenge. Malik also pointed to the sharp rise in attacks on education. Citing a recent UN report on children and armed conflict, Malik pointed to the role of government forces in attacks on schools as one of the most concerning developments.
Dr Malik said the impact of regional conflict is also being felt by children in Qatar and other Gulf countries. She said children have had to become familiar with rocket fire and interceptions, sudden school closures, airports shutting down, and flights being grounded. For parents trying to explain what is happening, Dr Malik recommended being honest without unnecessarily alarming children and using age-appropriate language.
International law is meant to protect schools and civilians during war. But as attacks on education rise, Dr Malik said the international system is falling short.
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