Disasters and Child Education in Eastern Africa: Towards an Epistemology of Disasters

Abstract

This study examines how natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and droughts as well as man-made disasters like wars and conflicts impact children’s education in Eastern Africa. Getting an education is a basic human right that should be available to all children without discrimination or interruption. However, disasters pose a major threat to education and economic development in this region. While several other researches have discussed the consequences of disasters on the human society, this research looks specifically at how disasters force children out of secondary schools, denying them educational opportunities. It aims to develop deeper understanding of how to reduce the negative impacts of disasters on education. The study used qualitative method of inquiry for the determination of the extent of the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in East Africa. The findings show that about one million children per year in disaster-prone areas of Eastern Africa have their schooling severely disrupted by various disasters. Discussions are supported with the sacred Scriptures of predominant religions (Christianity and Islam) where the religious principles underscore the moral imperative to ensure children’s safety and well-being, especially during crises. The study recommends that countries in the region develop shared policies for disaster management that prioritize continuing children’s education during emergencies. This includes quickly rebuilding damaged schools after a disaster occurs.