Too Hot to Learn: How Climate Extremes Are Disrupting Education in India

Too Hot to Learn: How Climate Extremes Are Disrupting Education in India

Written by Shennara Lisapaly 

Schools Close as Temperatures Continues to Rise

In April 2025, as the summer season barely began, over 20 cities across North India reported temperatures above 42°C. For example, Delhi experienced a high of 38.2°C in April 2025, which is 3.1 degrees above the norm. Other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar all faced similar scorching temperatures. Yet the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the worst was yet to come (ET Online, 2025). The extreme heat, humidity, and poor air quality foster an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for students to learn and participate in. This extreme weather condition spreading across India ultimately forced many schools to shut down for the safety of the students and staff.

However, this isn’t a one-off emergency. It’s part of a growing crisis. This widespread school shutdown did not only happen this year, but it also occurred in previous years, 2024 and 2023. With climate extremes, such as heatwaves, floods, pollution, and cyclones, it is clear that climate change is no longer a future concern—it is already disrupting learning for millions of students in South Asia alone.

Climate and Education Are Deeply Connected

According to a 2024 UNICEF report, over 128 million students in South Asia risk facing educational disruptions due to climate extremes. India had the highest number of students affected by climate-related school disruptions in 2024, at a staggering 54,784,029 students (UNICEF, 2024).

The effects of climate change go beyond temporary school closures. The Hindustan Times reported that even when schools remain open, extreme weather lowers attendance and weakens learning capacities (Tulsyan, 2025). When floods occur, travel becomes more difficult, especially in rural and low-lying areas. On especially hot or polluted days, students struggle to focus. This results in a drop in academic performance and growing learning losses.

Heatwaves Are Jeopardising Student Health

This summer, India faces another scorching season. According to a Republic World article from May 2025, the government announced widespread school closures across multiple states as temperatures soared (Chanotra, 2025). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted intense heatwave conditions in regions including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and many others. In response, states implemented early or extended summer vacations, with reopening dates ranging from mid-June to early July, depending on the weather conditions.

In Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the temperature often exceeded 45°C, creating an insufferable and unsafe environment for students to learn in (Siddeeq, 2025). Teachers also reported that many students experienced heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. A teacher from the Rajasthan Barmer district had even said that the indoor temperature of his school at one point reached 47°C. School infrastructure, especially in rural areas, struggled to cope. Many buildings lack proper ventilation, reliable cooling systems, and access to clean drinking water. The loss of school days due to extreme heat and poor infrastructure not only disrupts students’ education but also hits marginalised communities the hardest. Especially children who depend on schools for daily meals and a safe, stable environment (OWSA, 2025).

 

Floods and Rains Wash Away Learning Opportunities

It’s not just the heat. Heavy monsoon rains in 2025 also caused widespread school closures (Jolly, 2025). In Delhi-NCR, schools were shut due to severe waterlogging. In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the risk of floods and landslides forced district administrations to cancel classes. In Jharkhand’s Jamshedpur, authorities closed schools until July 10 after heavy rains flooded low-lying areas and advised a shift to online classes. However, in certain communities, this is not possible since digital access is limited or nonexistent.

Climate Impact on the Most Vulnerable

While the climate crisis affects all children, its impact is far from equal. According to One World South Asia (OWSA), adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable. They reported that more interruptions to education lead to higher dropout rates, lower academic performance, and child marriage and/or labor rates, which disproportionately affect girls (OWSA, 2025). OWSA cites that the UNICEF report warns us that the climate-related disruption to learning is undoing the years of progress made in promoting girls’ education.

What Needs to Change

Experts say India must climate-proof its education system to improve learning outcomes and to aid long-term development. The Hindustan Times outlined five key steps governments can take to drive meaningful and impactful change.

  1. Data collection. Schools and state departments need to track how climate shocks affect learning. This will help design targeted policies.
  2. Invest in heat- and flood-resilient infrastructure—cool roofs, solar fans, ventilation, and water access.
  • Plan for learning continuity. Schools should have flexible calendars, online options, and community-based learning hubs during climate emergencies.
  1. Include climate education in the curriculum. Students must understand climate risks and be prepared to adapt and lead to change.
  2. The government, civil society, and the private sector must work together to make education climate resilient.

These recommendations offer a roadmap for creating a more robust, inclusive, and productive education system. One that can withstand the pressures of an increasingly unpredictable and hostile climate. Of course, implementing such changes will not come without challenges and obstacles, but they are essential. Without action, students in vulnerable regions across India will continue to face school closures, unsafe conditions, and disrupted learning.

A Call to Action

India’s classrooms are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Every year, more children are losing days, weeks, or months of school due to extreme weather. The risks are growing, and so are the inequalities. Protecting education must be a core part of India’s climate strategy. That means more than building roads and floodwalls. It means building schools that can withstand the storms ahead.

If the classroom becomes unsafe, the future becomes uncertain. India must adapt to the current climate crisis and climate-proof its schools before it’s too late. This requires urgent political will, sustained investment, and a long-term vision. Rather than having the education system remain a victim of the climate crisis, these changes can transform it into a powerful tool for resilience.

 

Reference List: 

Chanotra, Nimakshi. 2025. “Heatwave Forces Early School Closures across India: A State-By-State Breakdown.” Republic World. May 19, 2025. https://www.republicworld.com/education/schools-closed-in-multiple-states-across-india-check-the-list. 

ET Online. 2025. “Heatwave Grips India: 20+ Cities Cross 42°c in First Week of April, Experts Warn of Worse Ahead.” The Economic Times. Economic Times. April 7, 2025. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/heatwave-grips-india-20-cities-cross-42c-in-first-week-of-april-experts-warn-of-worse-ahead/articleshow/120051541.cms. 

Jolly, Akshita. 2025. “Schools Closed: Heavy Monsoon Rain Disrupts Life across India, Schools Shut in Several States.” Jagranjosh.com. Jagran Josh. July 10, 2025. https://www.jagranjosh.com/articles/schools-closed-due-to-heavy-rainfall-list-of-states-affected-1800000865-1. 

OWSA Staff. 2025. “Climate Hazards Disrupt Education for Millions in South Asia, UNICEF Report Reveals Stark Situation in India – OneWorld SouthAsia.” OneWorld SouthAsia. January 27, 2025. https://owsa.in/climate-hazards-disrupt-education-for-millions-in-south-asia-unicef-report-reveals-stark-situation-in-india/. 

Siddeeq, Sara. 2025. “How Extreme Heat in India Is Disrupting Education.” Climate Impacts Tracker Asia. April 8, 2025. https://www.climateimpactstracker.com/how-extreme-heat-in-india-is-disrupting-education/. 

Tulsyan, Arpan. 2025. “Heatwaves, Floods, and Smog: Unprepared Education System Is Leading to Learning Losses – Hindustan Times.” Hindustan Times. April 21, 2025. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/climate-change/heatwaves-floods-and-smog-unprepared-education-system-is-leading-to-learning-losses-101745226192022.html. 

UNICEF. The Climate Crisis Is a Child Rights Crisis: South Asia Spotlight. New York: United  

Nations Children’s Fund, 2024. https://www.unicef.org/media/170626/file/Global-snapshot-climate-related-school-disruptions-2024.pdf.  

 

 

The Role of EdTech Startups in Transforming Education in Egypt 

Source: Getty Image https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/01/egypt-moves-redress-teacher-shortages-public-schools

Written by Iasmina Stoian 

Education in Egypt has long faced numerous challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and outdated curricula. For decades, these obstacles have limited the quality and accessibility of education for students across the country, particularly in rural areas. In recent years, however, the rise of educational technology (EdTech) startups has begun to change the face of education in Egypt. These innovative companies are leveraging technology to address the systemic issues within the Egyptian education system, offering new opportunities for both students and educators. This article explores the transformative role of EdTech startups in Egypt and their potential to reshape the future of education in the country.

 

The Need for Innovation in Egyptian Education

The Egyptian education system has historically been marked by its rigidity, with an over-reliance on rote memorization and high-stakes testing. Students often lack access to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—skills that are increasingly in demand in the global workforce. Furthermore, a significant urban-rural divide exacerbates educational inequality, with students in rural areas facing even greater challenges in accessing quality education.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these pre-existing issues while also introducing new challenges. With schools closing for extended periods, millions of students were left without access to education due to the lack of digital infrastructure and resources. The crisis underscored the urgent need for innovation in education and the potential of technology to provide solutions.

 

 

The Rise of EdTech Startups

In response to these challenges, Egypt has seen a surge in the number of EdTech startups in recent years. These startups are developing innovative platforms, tools, and applications designed to make education more accessible, engaging, and effective for students across the country. The growing demand for online learning during the pandemic acted as a catalyst for many of these ventures, but their impact is expected to extend far beyond the immediate crisis.

EdTech startups in Egypt are tackling a wide range of educational needs, from early childhood learning to university-level education and vocational training. They are focusing on diverse areas, including online tutoring, interactive learning platforms, gamification, and adaptive learning technologies. These companies are not only addressing the issues of accessibility and quality but also working to modernize and digitize the traditional education system.

Key Areas of Transformation

One of the most significant contributions of EdTech startups in Egypt is the promotion of personalized learning. Traditional classrooms often fail to cater to the individual needs of students, as teachers are required to manage large groups with varying levels of ability. EdTech solutions, however, allow students to learn at their own pace, accessing resources tailored to their learning styles and needs.

Platforms like Almentor and Kiwa Academy offer online courses in various subjects, enabling students to select the areas in which they need more support. By providing a more flexible and personalized approach, EdTech companies are helping students to better understand complex concepts, retain information, and develop independent learning habits.

Another crucial area where EdTech startups are making a difference is in bridging the gap between urban and rural education. In Egypt, students in rural areas often have limited access to qualified teachers, modern resources, and extracurricular activities. This has led to a significant disparity in educational outcomes between rural and urban students. Through digital platforms, EdTech startups are making quality education accessible to students in remote areas. For example, Nafham, an Egyptian EdTech platform, provides free educational content aligned with the national curriculum, allowing students across the country to access lessons regardless of their location. The platform also includes interactive features like quizzes and video tutorials, making learning more engaging and effective.

In addition to student-focused initiatives, some EdTech startups in Egypt are also working to enhance teacher training and professional development. The traditional education system often overlooks the need for continuous teacher training, leaving educators ill-equipped to manage the changing demands of the modern classroom. EdTech startups such as Classera provide teacher training programs that help educators develop digital literacy and integrate technology into their teaching methods. By empowering teachers with new tools and skills, these startups are improving the overall quality of education and ensuring that teachers can provide students with a more engaging and interactive learning experience.

The Egyptian education system has traditionally placed a heavy emphasis on academic learning, often at the expense of vocational training and lifelong learning opportunities. EdTech startups are addressing this gap by providing platforms that cater to non-traditional learners, including those seeking vocational training or professional development.

For instance, platforms like Udemy and SkillAcademy offer courses in various vocational fields, enabling learners to acquire skills that are directly applicable to the job market. These platforms are particularly valuable in a country like Egypt, where unemployment rates are high, and many young people are seeking opportunities to enhance their employability through skills-based learning.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the significant progress made by EdTech startups in Egypt, challenges remain. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of digital infrastructure in many parts of the country. While EdTech platforms can reach students in remote areas, they still require a reliable internet connection and access to devices, both of which are limited in many rural regions. Additionally, there is a need for greater collaboration between EdTech companies and the government to ensure that technological solutions are integrated into the national education system in a sustainable and equitable manner.

However, the opportunities for growth are immense. Egypt’s young and tech-savvy population is increasingly open to adopting new technologies, and the government has shown a growing interest in supporting digital education initiatives. By fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and collaboration, Egypt has the potential to become a regional leader in EdTech, with startups playing a pivotal role in transforming education for future generations.

Conclusion

The rise of EdTech startups in Egypt represents a promising step toward addressing the longstanding challenges of the country’s education system. Through personalized learning, improved access to resources, enhanced teacher training, and innovative teaching methods, these startups are reshaping how students learn and how educators teach. While challenges remain, the transformative potential of EdTech is undeniable, offering hope for a more inclusive, accessible, and effective education system in Egypt. As these startups continue to grow and evolve, they are poised to play a critical role in the future of education in the country.

Education in Egypt has long faced numerous challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, and outdated curricula. For decades, these obstacles have limited the quality and accessibility of education for students across the country, particularly in rural areas. In recent years, however, the rise of educational technology (EdTech) startups has begun to change the face of education in Egypt. These innovative companies are leveraging technology to address the systemic issues within the Egyptian education system, offering new opportunities for both students and educators. This article explores the transformative role of EdTech startups in Egypt and their potential to reshape the future of education in the country.

 

Keywords: Egypt, education, personalized learning, online learning platforms, digital education, vocational training, teacher, innovation

 

Estonia’s Teacher Shortages: A Threat to Educational Excellence

Estonia’s Teacher Shortages: A Threat to Educational Excellence

Written by Siti Hajar Auliannisa

Introduction

Estonia has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, and it has adopted innovative approaches that prioritize equal access to high-quality education. The comprehensive system provides free education at all levels and gives schools more autonomy by allowing them to tailor curricula, teaching methods, and administrative decisions.

 

Education in Estonia is legally free, unless parents choose to send their children to private schools. Early childhood education, basic education, upper secondary education, and higher education are the four levels of education. The structure of the education system allows everyone to progress from one level of education to the next. Furthermore, the Estonian education system is decentralized, with clear divisions of responsibility between the state, local government, and schools. The language of instruction is mainly Estonian, but other languages may be used as stipulated in the legislation.

 

According to the PISA 2022 educational survey, Estonian 15-year-olds have the absolute best knowledge and skills in Europe and are among the top eight in the world. Among Estonia is ranked first-2nd in mathematics with Switzerland, first in science, and first-2nd in reading with Ireland.

 

According to PISA, Estonian headmasters and teachers enjoy significant autonomy, ranking the country first among nations for the freedom educators have in designing school curricula and contributing to management decisions.

 

However, despite the international acclaim for Estonia’s education system, the growing shortage of qualified teachers stands out as a major concern. This issue, highlighted by the survey, is a critical challenge the nation is working to address in the coming years to preserve its educational excellence.

 

The Scope of the Problem

 

For over a decade, state statistics and international comparisons have highlighted a troubling trend in Estonia’s teaching workforce, with conditions deteriorating each year. The average age of Estonian teachers is approximately 50, and the proportion of educators aged over 60 has risen from 17% to 24% between 2015 and 2023 (Haridussilm, 2024; OECD, 2020). Meanwhile, the percentage of qualified teachers—those with a teaching certificate and a master’s degree or equivalent—dropped from 87% to 81% in general education schools from 2017 to 2022 (Ministry of Education and Research, 2022).

 

Additionally, the latest TALIS report (OECD, 2020) shows that 41% of teachers under 35 in Estonia are considering leaving the profession within the next five years, the highest percentage among all TALIS countries. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with nearly a third more teachers leaving their roles in the 2021-2022 academic year compared to two years prior (Arenguseire Keskus, 2023). These challenges pose a significant threat to the stability of Estonia’s education system.

 

Underlying Causes of Teacher Shortages

 

Economic Factors

 

The teaching profession’s social status, encompassing low salaries and limited societal recognition, serves as a significant deterrent. Across many countries, teachers earn less than professionals with similar qualifications. In Estonia, the average teacher’s salary equates to 92% of the national average salary for specialists with higher education. In 2023, lower secondary teachers earned an average of USD 37,506, which is 24% higher than the starting salary. However, this remains uncompetitive compared to earnings in other fields, making it difficult to retain teachers in the profession.

 

While salary is not the primary reason individuals pursue teaching, inadequate pay can drive even highly motivated teachers and aspiring educators to leave the field.

 

Social Perceptions

 

The position and perception of teachers in Estonia present a paradox: despite producing some of the world’s best educational outcomes, a significant number of teachers report dissatisfaction with their jobs and the level of societal appreciation. Many teachers perceive their own efficacy as low and view societal attitudes toward the teaching profession as overly critical. Consequently, teaching is not a highly attractive career choice for upper secondary school graduates, leading to a workforce that is increasingly feminized and ageing.

 

Research has also highlighted various personal factors influencing teacher retention. While the impact of gender is mixed, younger and less experienced teachers are more likely to leave the profession. Many young professionals are opting for higher-paying, more flexible career paths outside of teaching. Conversely, teachers with traditional educational qualifications tend to stay in the field longer compared to those who enter through alternative certification programs.

 

Workload and Burnout

 

Teacher retention is heavily influenced by well-being and health, with burnout playing a significant role. For those who choose to stay in the profession, the workload can be overwhelming. Estonian teachers juggle extensive administrative duties alongside the challenges of inclusive education and managing diverse classrooms. Additionally, the national curriculum, often criticized for being excessively demanding, exacerbates their workload, leaving limited opportunities for creativity or personal development.

 

Impact of Teacher Shortages

 

On students

Teacher shortages have a profound impact on students’ education, causing disruptions in learning, reducing opportunities, and hindering academic success. The absence of qualified teachers often results in increased reliance on substitute educators or larger class sizes, which disrupt the continuity of instruction and negatively affect students’ understanding of the material.

 

Moreover, schools facing teacher shortages may be forced to cancel advanced or specialized courses, such as higher-level mathematics or science, limiting students’ academic opportunities and preparation for higher education. Research also suggests that teacher shortages contribute to lower academic performance, as larger class sizes and less qualified instructors may struggle to meet the varied learning needs of students effectively.

 

On teachers

The decentralized structure of Estonia’s education system adds another layer of complexity. While schools and municipalities enjoy considerable autonomy, this flexibility has led to difficulties in resource distribution, long-term planning, and addressing the specific needs of individual schools. Local municipalities, in particular, often struggle to offer adequate support for teachers, which increases their stress and workload, further aggravating the teacher shortage. Although teacher training programs are theoretically robust, they often fall short in providing enough practical experience, leaving new educators unprepared for the challenges of classroom management and inclusive education. Consequently, many teachers either leave the profession early or decide against entering it altogether, intensifying the shortage.

 

On the Education System

 

The National Audit Office highlights that the shortage of adequately qualified teachers undermines the quality of general education. Their analysis reveals that in the context of teacher shortages, lessons in natural and exact sciences are often taught by teachers from other subjects or “career switchers.” While these teachers may hold the required master’s degree and teaching qualification, they often lack the specific training needed for the subjects they teach. The profession’s reputation has been further damaged by negative media portrayals and the increasing practice of employing unqualified individuals, making recruitment even more difficult.

 

Etonia’s Efforts to Address the Issue

 

 

Rethinking teacher schedules, Professional Learning, and Leadership

Estonia is actively reimagining the teaching profession, exploring innovative approaches to school organization that prioritize more flexible schedules for teachers, relevant professional development, and enhanced teacher leadership. These strategies align with calls for similar changes in the U.S. as well.

 

Diversifying the Teacher Pool

Estonia is working to diversify its teacher workforce by attracting individuals pursuing second careers and offering part-time positions for professionals from other fields.

 

Modernizing Teacher Education Programs

The reforms are extending beyond the classroom to teacher education, with preparation programs experimenting with “learn on the job” training and emphasizing the use of digital tools to improve learning and tailor education to students’ needs. Additionally, teacher education students are taking on new roles to assist classroom teachers while gaining valuable learning experiences from them.

 

Increasing Teacher Salaries

Like many other regions, Estonia analyzed teacher salaries and determined that stronger financial incentives were necessary to attract and retain educators. From 2016 to 2020, teacher salaries increased by approximately 40%, and this year, the Education Minister pledged to raise salaries to 120% of the average wage in Estonia by 2023. Additionally, new teachers are offered bonuses to take positions in underserved rural areas.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Estonia’s education system continues to excel globally, the persistent teacher shortages pose a critical challenge to maintaining its high standards. The root causes, including aging educators, low salaries, societal perceptions, and burnout, demand immediate attention. The nation’s efforts to address these issues—through increased salaries, modernized teacher training, diversified recruitment, and innovative school organization—show promise, but more comprehensive strategies and sustained investment are necessary. Without a robust and well-supported teaching workforce, Estonia risks compromising the very foundation of its educational success and the future development of its students.

  

References

 

Arenguseire Keskus. “The Future for the Next Generation of Teachers: Trends and Scenarios up to 2040.” November 15, 2024. https://arenguseire.ee/en/reports/the-future-for-the-next-generation-of-teachers-trends-and-scenarios-up-to-2040/.

 

Estonian News. “Shortage of Qualified Teachers Is Greater in Estonia Than Previously Thought.” January 26, 2024. https://news.postimees.ee/7947387/shortage-of-qualified-teachers-is-greater-in-estonia-than-previously-thought.

 

European Commission. “National Reforms in School Education—Estonia.” Eurydice. Last updated March 29, 2023. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/estonia/national-reforms-general-school-education.

 

Eva Toome. “PISA 2022: Estonia Consistently Among the World’s Best.” Education Estonia, September 10, 2024. https://www.educationestonia.org/estonias-pisa-2022-results-consistently-among-the-worlds-best/.

 

Gorard, Stephen, Mark Ledger, Beng Huat See, and Rebecca Morris. “What Are the Key Predictors of International Teacher Shortages?” Research Papers in Education, October 23, 2024, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2024.2414427.

 

Haridussilm. “Teachers.” Accessed January 11, 2025. https://www.haridussilm.ee/ee/tasemeharidus/haridustootajad/opetajad.

 

Ministry of Education and Research. “Haridus- ja Teadusministeeriumi 2022. aasta tulemusar-uande analüütiline lisa” [Analytical Annex to the Ministry of Education and Research Performance Report 2022]. 2022. https://www.hm.ee/sites/default/files/documents/2023-08/2022_TA_anal%C3%BC%C3%BCtiline_lisa.pdf.

 

NCEE. “How Estonia Is Addressing Its Teacher Shortage.” January 20, 2022. https://ncee.org/quick-read/how-estonia-is-addressing-its-teacher-shortage/.

 

OECD. TALIS 2018 Results (Volume II): Teachers and School Leaders as Valued Professionals. Paris: OECD Publishing, 2020.

 

Educational Challenges in Cambodia

Educational Challenges in Cambodia

Written by Siti Hajar Auliannisa

Introduction

 

Cambodia’s education system has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to considerable efforts by the Cambodian government and concerned stakeholders. In general education, there has been improvement across the sub-sector. For example, there have been efforts to improve the quality of teachers and school principals as well as educational infrastructure. In 2014, a major reform to the Grade 12 national examination was introduced to combat corruption and cheating during exams (Bredenberg, 2022). In 2016, another reform to general education was undertaken; that is, the introduction of a school improvement initiative known as the New Generation Schools. This important initiative aims to create a new model of public schools in Cambodia to improve the quality of general education (Bredenberg, 2022).

 

Cambodia’s education system: A brief historical account

 

According to McNamara and Hayden (2022), Cambodia has a tragic past. After a brief period of socioeconomic development following its independence from France in 1953, Cambodia plunged into political instability in the early 1970s, after which the country experienced one of the world’s worst tragedies in the 20th century, the Khmer Rouge. After the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) that killed one-quarter of the Cambodian population, Cambodia had to start from scratch to rebuild itself, including its education system (McNamara & Hayden, 2022).

 

During the genocide of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia’s education system was completely dismantled. Educational infrastructure was destroyed or used for non-educational purposes, while teachers and other educated Cambodians were targeted for execution (Ayres, 2000). It was estimated that 75% of the teaching force died during the Khmer Rouge regime (Clayton, 1998). It was only in the early 1990s that Cambodia started to witness significant social and national development. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, there have been a lot of improvements, particularly in quantitative aspects, in Cambodia’s education system. One of the significant achievements is the surge in student enrollment.

 

Cambodia’s education system: Current structure

 

Cambodia’s current education system is divided into four major streams: (a) pre-primary education or early childhood education, (b) general education, (c) technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and (d) higher education (Tao & Kao, 2023). Pre-primary education caters to children aged three to five and is provided at three distinct types of preschools: public, private, and community-based (Om, 2022). Following that, general education follows the 6+3+3 structure, comprising six years of primary education (Grades 1-6), three years of lower secondary education (Grades 7-9), and another three years of upper secondary education (Grades 10-12). A combination of primary and lower secondary education (Grades 1-9) constitutes the country’s compulsory basic education (UNESCO, 2008).

 

After finishing lower secondary education, students can either continue to regular upper secondary education or enroll in secondary-level TVET programs to qualify for TVET certificate types C1, C2, and C3 (Tao & Kao, 2023). Holders of TVET certificate type C3 can pursue advanced TVET programs: two years for a TVET diploma and four years for a bachelor’s degree in TVET-specific disciplines.

 

According to MoEYS (2023), over the past decade (2013-2022), there has been significant progress in terms of educational infrastructure development, student enrollment, and education access. For instance, the number of kindergarten and general education schools has increased from 14,852 in the 2013-2014 academic year to 18,830 in the 2022-2023 academic year. The number of HEIs has also increased from 110 in the 2013-2014 academic year to 132 in the 2021-2022 academic year. Likewise, the number of education staff has increased from 112,704 in 2013 to 125,597 in 2022.

 

 

Early Childhood Education

 

Early childhood education (ECE), which includes both early childhood care and preschool education, provides children with an essential foundation for success in life. About one-third of all Cambodians are below 15 years of age. In 2019, there were almost 1 million 3- to 5-year-olds (6.2% of the national population) in Cambodia.  Cambodia continues, however, to struggle with achieving the quantity and quality of ECE provision required to meet national needs. The quality of ECE programs in Cambodia relies heavily on having personnel with well-developed skills and knowledge. The problem is especially acute for community-based multilingual preschools, where a severe teacher shortage has significantly impaired expansion. It is also difficult to retain high-performing personnel because employment in the sector is not well-remunerated and lacks social status.

 

To date, ECE programs lack coherence and have not been systematically developed and implemented. Their implementation is subject to variations in socioeconomic conditions and the availability of resources across the country. Different models of ECE provision exist between public and private preschools and between community-based and home-based models. Programs delivered also vary according to particular geographic circumstances and social needs. In general, there is a lack of coherence in how different government levels participate in the management of preschools.

 

Quality of Educations

 

To measure student learning progress against the national curriculum, MoEYS conducts national assessments for grades 3, 6, 8 and 11 on a cyclical basis. To gain insight about performance against other countries, it also participates in the PISA-D survey process; and it has joined the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) initiative.

 

The relatively low performance in the national assessments is in line with findings from PISA-D and SEA-PLM sources. According to human capital index data on the years of schooling and quality of learning for students aged 18 years, Cambodian 18-year-old students had received around 9.5 years of schooling, which was lower than for all other ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. According to PISA-D, only 8% of Cambodian children achieved a minimum level of reading proficiency; and only 10% achieved a minimum level of proficiency in mathematics .

 

 

Infrastructure and Facilities

 

One of the primary challenges that the Cambodian education system faces is the lack of adequate infrastructure. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, are bereft of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. This is akin to the situation in several developing countries where rural areas often lag behind urban centres in terms of infrastructure development. Moreover, many schools are constructed from makeshift materials, making them susceptible to damage from natural disasters. This lack of sturdy, well-equipped school buildings can significantly impact the quality of education provided.

 

Alongside the infrastructural issues, there is also a severe shortage of resources. Many schools lack essential teaching aids like textbooks, computers, and other learning materials. This is somewhat reminiscent of the early days of the British education system, where resources were scarce and often outdated. Furthermore, the student to teacher ratio in many Cambodian schools is alarmingly high, leading to overcrowded classrooms and a lack of individual attention for students.

 

Teachers Shortages

 

Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (2022) stated that key challenges facing Cambodia’s primary education included a shortage of teachers in remote areas and an oversupply of teachers in urban areas, a lack of teacher capacity building, limited quality of teachers, inadequate technological infrastructure, and a lack of materials for sanitation promotion. In secondary education, the challenges were the limited quality of teachers, inadequate opportunities for practical experiences, a lack of science teachers and facilities that support STEM subjects, and a lack of qualified staff or experts in English, ICT, health education, and architecture.

 

More than 60 percent of Cambodian children of lower-secondary-school age (12–14) were out of school in 2015, and 21 percent dropped out. Around 70 percent of sampled schools were short of classrooms. Teacher shortages were serious, and the majority of Cambodian teachers held low qualifications. As a result, student learning outcomes were low, with only eight percent of 15-year-old students reaching the minimum level of reading proficiency, as required by the Sustainable Development Goals, and just 10 percent achieving the minimum level of proficiency in mathematics, based on the PISA-D results in 2018.

 

Due to a lack of teachers and infrastructure, many public schools in Cambodia’s education system only operate for half-a-day morning or afternoon sessions. Many classes are overcrowded, and it is difficult for students to make substantial academic progress by attending just a few hours a day.

Socioeconomic Impact on Education

 

There has been a significant improvement in Cambodia’s student-to-teacher ratios over recent years, but classrooms remain relatively crowded. The situation is worse in rural areas, where classrooms are often overcrowded and school buildings are more dilapidated. There is also a large gap between rural and urban schools, estimated to be in the order of 10–15% points each year, in grade 6 completion rates. National assessment tests in 2016 indicated that while 62% of grade 6 students from urban areas were either proficient or advanced in Khmer language, only 35% of students from rural areas met this standard.

 

Students from better-off households were much more likely to have outperformed students from less well-off home backgrounds. As shown in Fig. 3.10, 60.6% of grade 6 students from the top quintile of family socioeconomic status were considered proficient or advanced in Khmer language, compared with only 24.4% from the bottom quintile of family socioeconomic status.

 

The gap was even more pronounced in mathematics. More than one-half (55.3%) of students from the top quintile for family socioeconomic status were proficient or advanced in mathematics, compared with less than one-quarter (23.1%) from the bottom quintile; and while 39.4% from the top quintile were below a basic level of proficiency in mathematics, the proportion for the lowest family socioeconomic status quintile was 73.1%.

Barriers between Public and Private School

 

Attendance at a public or private primary school was also strongly associated with different performance levels in the grade 6 Khmer language and mathematics tests. In the mathematics test, 67.4% of private school students obtained correct answers, whereas only 48.4% of public school students did so. In the Khmer language test, 52.1% of public school students achieved a satisfactory outcome, compared with 72.1% of private school students.

 

PISA-D survey results confirm the pattern. Fifteen-year-olds from private schools consistently outperformed their peers from public schools across the three areas of reading, mathematics and science. The performance difference was estimated to be equivalent to more than 2 years of schooling, meaning that, on average, the abilities of grade 6 students in public schools could just match the abilities of grade 4 students in private schools. However, private school education’s advantage was largely reduced after adjustment was made for family socioeconomic status. Students from better-off households were more highly represented at private than public schools

 

Conclusion

Cambodia’s education system has made significant strides since the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, but it still faces many challenges. These include teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, quality disparities between public and private schools, and significant socioeconomic inequalities. The government’s ongoing efforts to reform and improve education, including the New Generation Schools initiative and the introduction of national assessments, are steps in the right direction. However, addressing the fundamental challenges of teacher quality, infrastructure, and socioeconomic inequality will require sustained commitment and resources from both the government and international stakeholders.

References

  1. Bredenberg, Kurt. “Progress with Reforming Secondary Education in Cambodia.” In Education in the Asia-Pacific Region, 55–80, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8213-1_4.
  2. Heng, Kimkong, and Bunhorn Doeur. “Realizing Cambodia’s Vision for a Knowledge-Based Society: Challenges and the Way Forward.” SSRN Electronic Journal, January 1, 2024. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4834212.
  3. John. “Challenges Faced By Cambodia’s Education System.” IPGCE @ UWE (blog), May 27, 2024. https://www.ipgce.com/challenges-faced-by-cambodias-education-system/.
  4. Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS). Education Congress: The Education, Youth and Sport Performance in the Academic Year 2018-2019 and Goals for the Academic Year 2019-2020. MoEYS, 2020a.
  5. Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS). Education Congress: The Education, Youth and Sport Performance in the Academic Year 2021-2022 and Goals for the Academic Year 2022-2023. MoEYS, 2023.
  6. Sloper, David. “Book Review: Education in Cambodia – From Year Zero Towards International Standards.” Journal of International Comparative Education 12, no. 2 (January 1, 2023): 123–24. https://doi.org/10.14425/jice.2023.12.2.0222.
  7. Tao, Nary, and Sovansophal Kao. “Overview of Education in Cambodia.” In Springer International Handbooks of Education, 1–26, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8136-3_43-1.
  8. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). UNICEF in Cambodia Country Programme 2019-2023. RGC, 2019. https://www.unicef.org/cambodia/media/2361/file/CountryProgramme_OVERVIEW_25x25_2019_Final.pdf.
  9. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “Goal 4: Quality Education.” RGC, 2020. https://www.kh.undp.org/content/cambodia/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-4-quality-education.html#target.

 

Turkish authoritarianism continues to flout international law

Turkish authoritarianism continues to flout international law

The arrest of Orhan Artar, an internationally protected asylum seeker, highlights the growing trend of international repression practiced by Turkish leaders.

 

President Erdoğan has constructed a sophisticated apparatus of repression, reaching from domestic institutions to international arenas. This machinery has been activated at several pivotal moments: the Gezi Park protests, which revealed deep public discontent; the 2013 corruption probes, which threatened Erdoğan’s inner circle and were linked to Gülenist-aligned prosecutors; and the failed 2016 coup, widely seen by the government as the culmination of Gülenist infiltration. While Ankara blames the Gülen movement for the attempted coup, international observers have consistently dismissed this claim as politically motivated and unsubstantiated. Once allies, the movement and the ruling party are now fierce adversaries; the former has been designated a terrorist organisation by the Turkish state. Its alleged members have faced sweeping purges, arbitrary arrests, and extraterritorial targeting. The recent illegal deportation of Orhan Artar and his three children from Rwanda to Turkey illustrates the reach of this repression. Upon return, Mr. Artar was detained on suspicion of Gülenist ties, while his children were reportedly placed with relatives.

Who is Orhan Artar?

Orhan Artar is a father, husband, and educator.

In the aftermath of the 2016 coup attempt attributed to the Gülen movement, Turkish pressure prompted Pakistani officials to order the expulsion of 108 Turkish families. Among those affected was Orhan Artar, who, at the time, worked within a network of schools in Pakistan linked to the movement—an affiliation that drew official scrutiny. In response, the Artar family briefly went into hiding before registering for asylum with the UNHCR in Islamabad in 2017. This application was accepted which meant that: Orhan and his family could not be legally returned to a country where their safety and liberty would be threatened.

Despite the official protection offered, the family continued to feel unsafe in Pakistan as compatriots who had received similar legal protections were repatriated to Turkey. In 2018, Mr. Artar was charged in absentia in Turkey with an arrest warrant issued. The family sought refuge in Kenya where they remained until 2023. Here, the family parted ways as Mr. Artar did not have a valid passport; his wife and child went to claim asylum in Germany while he planned to meet them with the other three children later. Further complicating the issue, Mr. Artar’s wife eventually had her asylum claim rejected in May 2024. In spite of these difficulties, Mr. Artar planned to meet his wife and child in Germany, via Rwanda, this month. After travelling through Tanzania, Mr. Artar planned to fly to Belgium before finally reuniting with his family. Instead, Mr. Artar and his children were forcibly detained by Rwandan officials and forcibly deported to Turkey – where he currently awaits trial.

International Law

Seeking asylum is an inalienable human right protected under customary international law, human rights law, and treaty law. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to a country where they face persecution, is enshrined in international law through the 1951 Refugee Convention. Both Rwanda and Turkey are signatories to the Convention meaning that both Mr. Artar and his family should enjoy these protections. In deporting the Artar family, Rwanda is in contravention of international law. Furthermore, if Turkey’s actions result in persecution or torture, it too risks breaching its obligations under both refugee and human rights law.

Turkish Repression

Transnational repression has become a systematic weapon wielded against Turkish dissidents based abroad. The Artar case is far from unique: over 100 Turkish nationals based abroad have been forcibly returned since 2016. Turkish authorities level diplomatic demands of repatriation of citizens abroad, with varying degrees of success. For example, while Sweden has steadfastly refused to comply with these demands, other states have proven much more open to accede. Pakistan, Rwanda, and Kenya have facilitated the repatriation orders in violation of international law.

Extrajudicial kidnappings are another tool of the Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT). Freedom House has reported that security forces brazenly carried out such an operation in Azerbaijan against Turkish businessman Uğur Demirok. Tajikistan has seen similar disappearances of at least two Turkish citizens who have since reappeared in Turkish prisons.

Broken Chalk

Broken Chalk stands with the international community in decrying the rise in transnational authoritarianism coming from Turkey. Orhan Artar is a symptom of the growing disdain exhibited by states towards international law. To stem the erosion of the international legal system, supranational organisations, states, and other stakeholders must address the rising tide of authoritarianism. Below are our demands to address the ongoing situation:

  1. Broken Chalk calls for the immediate release of Orhan Artar following his illegal repatriation and arbitrary detention.
    His continued imprisonment contravenes international refugee protections and the principle of non-refoulement. Turkey must release Mr. Artar and drop all charges linked to peaceful association or political affiliation.
  2. We call for an independent international investigation into the actions of both Rwandan and Turkish authorities.
    This investigation should examine the circumstances of Mr. Artar’s detention and deportation, the legality of Rwanda’s cooperation with Turkish demands, and any breaches of international human rights and refugee law.
  3. We urge the UNHCR and relevant UN Special Rapporteurs to publicly condemn this violation of international law.
    The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants should formally request information from both governments and raise the case before the Human Rights Council.
  4. We demand EU Member States suspend deportations to Turkey of individuals affiliated with the Gülen movement.
    Until credible safeguards are in place to prevent arbitrary detention or torture, no individual should be returned to Turkey where they face a real risk of persecution.
  5. We emphasise the binding obligation which states have undertaken to uphold their non-refoulement obligations and resist diplomatic pressure to return Turkish dissidents.
    The use of asylum law must remain rooted in principle, not politics. Countries must resist bilateral pressure and prioritise international legal standards over appeasement.
  6. We condemn the continued inaction of the international community to establish stronger safeguards to prevent transnational repression.
    This includes creating accountability mechanisms for states that collaborate in cross-border targeting of dissidents, especially where asylum seekers and refugees are involved.

Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Broken Chalk Statement on World Teacher’s Day

By Leticia Cox

 Press Release: World Teachers’ Day 2025

“Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession”

Broken Chalk Celebrates World Teachers’ Day 2025: Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.

Broken Chalk proudly joins the international community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2025, honoring educators who continue to inspire, empower, and collaborate to shape the future of learning.

This year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” underscores the importance of cooperation, peer learning, and shared responsibility in strengthening education systems worldwide. Teaching is evolving beyond the classroom; it is becoming a collective mission built on unity, mentorship, and the exchange of knowledge.

Across the globe, teachers are adapting to new technologies, addressing learning inequalities, and fostering inclusive environments through collaboration. Their collective efforts are essential in ensuring that education remains equitable, innovative, and resilient in the face of global challenges.

On this World Teachers’ Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its commitment to advancing educational equity and supporting the professional growth and safety of teachers worldwide. The organization continues to advocate for:

  • Collaborative professional development that empowers educators to learn and innovate together.
  • Academic freedom and teacher protection, ensuring educators can teach without fear or restriction.
  • Inclusive and equitable education systems that recognize the collective strength of teachers in driving progress.

Education thrives when teachers collaborate. Broken Chalk celebrates every educator who contributes to this shared mission — building bridges of knowledge, community, and opportunity for all.

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Broken Chalk Statement on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

By Leticia Cox   

Date: 30 July 2025 

 A Global Silence: Confronting the Epidemic of Missing and Trafficked Children 

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Broken Chalk raises an urgent alarm about one of the most devastating and underreported crises of our era: the widespread trafficking and disappearance of children.  

From war-torn provinces to bustling urban centres and hidden online spaces, children are vanishing—many into exploitative systems that thrive on silence and impunity. 

The renewed public interest sparked by developments in the Jeffrey Epstein case reminds the world that trafficking is not confined to remote or unstable regions—it infiltrates elite circles, crosses international borders, and exploits the world’s most vulnerable populations. As attention returns to the global crisis of missing and trafficked children, Broken Chalk demands a unified international response to a problem that transcends geography. 

North America: Indigenous Communities in the Crosshairs 

In Canada and the United States, Indigenous children face disproportionate risks of trafficking. Despite representing a small fraction of the population, Indigenous women and girls account for roughly 50% of all trafficking victims in Canada. In the U.S., up to 40% of trafficking survivors in some regions are Indigenous, often enduring cycles of abuse rooted in systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and historical displacement. Underreporting, legal loopholes, and jurisdictional confusion further obscure the true scale of this crisis. 

 Africa: The Hidden Epidemic 

Across the African continent, thousands of children vanish each year. Many are trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or ritual killings—particularly during election seasons or business ceremonies where traditional “muti” medicine fuels demand. 

Contributing factors include: 

  • Cross-border trafficking for labour, sexual exploitation, and organ harvesting. 
  • Digital grooming, with traffickers exploiting social media to lure victims. 
  • Corruption and institutional failure paralyse investigations and silence cases before they’re even reported. 

 

This is not simply a law enforcement issue—it is a structural failure, and it is costing lives. 

Asia: Trafficking in the Shadows of War and Poverty 

In South and Central Asia, endemic poverty and armed conflict create ideal conditions for child trafficking. 

  • In Pakistan, up to 4,300 children are reported missing annually. 
  • In Sri Lanka, unresolved “white van” abductions from the civil war era still haunt families. 
  • In Afghanistan, the continued exploitation of young boys through bacha bāzī persists, often shielded by corrupt officials. 

Despite international scrutiny, justice remains elusive and protection mechanisms remain weak. 

Europe: Disappeared in the Heart of Civilisation 

In Europe, trafficking networks have evolved to exploit migrant and vulnerable children with chilling efficiency. Between 2021 and 2023, over 51,400 migrant children went missing across the continent—an average of 47 children every single day (Lost in Europe, 2025). The majority were unaccompanied minors or children in state care. 

In Eastern and Central Europe, most trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation. 

In Western Europe, forced labor and criminal exploitation of boys are on the rise. 

Trafficking in Europe is not a fringe issue—it is a mainstream human rights emergency hiding behind closed doors. 

 Australia & New Zealand: Legal Frameworks Lag Behind Reality 

In Australia, the 2013 case of R v KAK, involving the sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old girl trafficked by her own mother, remains the country’s only conviction for child trafficking. More than a decade later, legislation continues to fall short, failing to clearly define or prosecute child trafficking cases. 

New Zealand, too, shows troubling signs of institutional inertia. Despite evidence in cases like that of ‘Grace’—a severely abused 13-year-old—no trafficking charges were brought. Experts warn that laws on the books rarely translate into protection on the ground. 

South America: Trafficking in the Crosswinds of Inequality and Migration 

Human trafficking continues to pose a growing threat across South America, where systemic inequality, organised crime, mass migration, and limited institutional oversight converge to create a high-risk environment for exploitation. 

Countries such as Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, and others function as source, transit, and destination points—underscoring the urgent need for coordinated regional strategies. According to the UNODC, 13% of all trafficking victims detected in Central and Western Europe originate from South America. In MERCOSUR border zones, more than 3,500 victims have been identified in the last five years—60% women, 30% minors, with nearly half subjected to sexual exploitation and 38% forced into brutal labour. 

Children and adolescents in particular face harrowing levels of vulnerability. In rural Andean communities, remote Amazonian territories, and dense border regions, minors are trafficked for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, and even organ harvesting. 

Reports from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana confirm the use of children in illegal mining operations and cross-border smuggling routes. 

Migrant children, especially Venezuelans in transit, are heavily targeted due to their undocumented status and social isolation. Victims as young as 11 years old have been identified. 

Adolescent girls are increasingly trafficked in urban centres like Bogotá, Santiago, and Lima. 

While promising initiatives like the Ecuador–Peru Binational Immediate Response Team offer hope, the broader institutional response remains fragmented and insufficient. High-risk zones—such as Madre de Dios (Peru), Norte de Santander (Colombia), Tarapacá (Chile), and the Triple Frontier—demand urgent, coordinated, and child-centred interventions. 

Broken Chalk’s Global Call to Action 

We cannot combat what we refuse to acknowledge. Broken Chalk urges:  

  • National child alert systems to be implemented and standardised across regions. 
  • Legal harmonisation to close jurisdictional gaps that let traffickers operate with impunity. 
  • Cross-border collaboration for victim recovery, support, and long-term reintegration. 
  • Significant investment in child protection systems, especially in post-conflict and high-migration zones. 
  • Accountability for institutions whose negligence or corruption enables exploitation. 
  • Silence Is Not Neutral—It Is Complicity 

 As Broken Chalk continues our investigations into child trafficking and disappearance worldwide, one truth stands out: trafficking doesn’t only happen in hidden corners of the world. It happens behind the closed doors of luxury homes, in chat rooms, on refugee routes, and in regions left to fend for themselves. 

The Epstein case may be legally closed—but it remains wide open in the court of public conscience. We will continue to ask hard questions and expose the truths that others try to bury. 

We owe every victim—named and unnamed, seen and unseen—nothing less. 

 

END 

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access.

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access.
PRESS RELEASE

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 16 July 2025 – On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to closing the rural-urban divide in education.

Bridging the Gap: Broken Chalk Marks World Rural Development Day with a Call for Equal Education Access

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 16 July 2025.  

On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk reaffirms its unwavering commitment to closing the rural-urban divide in education. 

As the world highlights the role of rural communities in sustainable development, we call attention to the millions of learners in these areas who are being left behind—by geography, by infrastructure, and by policy.

The theme promoted by the United Nations for this observance recognizes the vital contributions rural populations make to food security, climate resilience, and cultural preservation.

However, education remains the missing link in unlocking the full potential of rural communities.

In many parts of the world, especially in the Global South, access to quality education is not a right—it’s a privilege, and one far too often denied to rural children.

Broken Chalk, an international human rights organization dedicated to eliminating education inequality, has consistently exposed the systemic barriers faced by rural learners, from a lack of trained teachers and digital infrastructure to language barriers and cultural marginalization.

Rural girls, children with disabilities, and those in conflict zones face even steeper challenges.

The Broken Chalk team and its interns firmly believe that “Without equitable access to education, rural development is merely a slogan.” True empowerment of rural communities must begin with classrooms that are inclusive, accessible, and grounded in cultural relevance.

In alignment with the UN’s 2030 Agenda and SDG 4 (Quality Education), Broken Chalk continues to advocate for increased public investment in rural schools and digital learning infrastructure.

Localized teacher training and incentives to retain educators in underserved regions.

Protection of education in rural conflict zones.

Culturally sensitive curricula that reflect the realities and wisdom of rural life.

Voices from the Field.

Broken Chalk’s recent field research and interviews with rural youth in Sub-Saharan Africa reveal a shared desire: “We don’t want to leave our villages to learn; we want to learn and stay, to grow our own communities.”

To support rural resilience, education cannot be an afterthought—it must be the cornerstone.

On this World Rural Development Day, Broken Chalk invites educators, policymakers, and civil society groups to join hands in creating inclusive educational ecosystems. Because when we uplift rural learners, we uplift the world.

 

Download the pdf here.

 

Featured Photo: Adobe Stock/Lertluck Thipchai

Sources:

www.brokenchalk.org

https://www.un.org/en/observances/rural-development-day

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between June 1st and June 51th, 2025 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between June 1st and June 15th, 2025 Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

June-1st-till-June-15th-2025

 

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.

Education Monitor: Around The Globe between May 16th and May 31st, 2025 Edition

Broken Chalk proudly presents a new edition of “Education Monitor: Around the Globe” between May 16th and May 31st, 2025 Broken Chalk aims with this letter to increase public awareness of educational problems, challenges, and violations in the scope of the world. This newsletter is unique. This is a weekly newsletter in which we attempt to monitor and convey educational news from around the world in a concise manner. This monitor will be published biweekly with the effort of our young and enthusiastic team.

You can contribute to our work if you like. If you witness any violations in the scope of education, you can write the comment part of this post. Broken Chalk will try to address the issue in its next monitor edition.

May-16th-till-May-31st-2025

 

To download this edition as a PDF, click here

Broken Chalk Platform, in March 2019, was founded by a group of educators abroad who experienced and have been experiencing severe human rights violations in Turkey and had to ask for asylum in several countries.

These education volunteers also suffered greatly and started their new lives in their new countries without human rights violations. They gained respect just because they were considered human beings in those countries. However, they left one part of their minds and hearts in their homeland. They assigned themselves a new duty, and the human rights violations they left behind had to be announced to the World. A group of education volunteers who came together for this purpose started their activities under the Broken Chalk platform’s umbrella. However, the Broken Chalk platform was not enough to serve their aims. Therefore, they completed their official establishment as a Human Rights Foundation in October 2020.

Broken Chalk is now much more than a platform, and we have reviewed and enlarged our vision and mission within this framework. Violations of rights would be the first in our agenda in the field of Education all over the World. At the point we reached today, Broken Chalk opened its door to all individuals from all across the globe, from all professions, and to all individuals who say or can say ‘I also want to stand against violations of human rights in Education for our future and whole humanity, where our generations grow up together.’

Education is essential because it can help us eliminate the evils from society, introduce, and increase the good. We want to draw the public’s and stakeholders’ attention to the fact that Education is in danger in several different parts of the World. The attacks are wide-reaching, from the bombing of schools to the murder of students and teachers. Raping and sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced recruitment also occurred, instigated by armed groups. Attacks on Education harm the students and teachers but also affect the communities in the short and long term.

We invite all individuals who want to stop human rights violations in Education to become Volunteers at Broken Chalk.