Lynne Featherstone

Following up on my earlier blog posting on my Teachers Without Borders policy consultation, you can now read my newspaper column on the subject on my website.

As I wrote:

Focusing on education in a conflict zone is vital in order to establish a future for that region. War only teaches war. Children need not only the therapeutic medicine of learning itself but also – as they emerge from the carnage – children need to be given the skills and capacity to become anything from farmers to pharmacists.

Moreover, the relationship between education and community and political participation is well established. Participation in education contributes to community action and national political life. Teachers can also help children to develop new skills and knowledge necessary for survival and coping in a post-conflict environment, including landmine awareness and safety, negotiation and problem solving, and information about HIV/AIDS and other health issues.

You can read the full newspaper column on my website.