1. Key Findings
In December 2014 UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB) carried out a rapid assessment in the 4 departments most affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram in the region of the Far North (Diamare, Logone et Chari, Mayo Tsanaga and Maya Sava). Secondary data analysis allowed for purposive sampling methodology to target 110 schools and 93 households in conflict-affected and host communities in the region. Summary results from the assessment on the impact of the conflict on schooling and internal displacement in the region are listed below:
SCHOOL CLOSURES:
120 schools were forced to close in 10 districts of the Far North for the current school year (2014-2015); direct threats from Boko Haram towards school directors and community members were cited as a primary reason for school closures
33,163 children (43% girls) are out of school or have been forced to seek access to schooling outside of their native communities as a result of school closures in affected districts
It is estimated that over 29,000 students remain at risk of losing the entire 2014-2015 academic school year as a result of school closures
HOST SCHOOLS:
104 host schools (3 pre-primary and 101 primary) accommodating a total of 66,077 students (43% girls) have been identified in 8 districts in the Far North
3,750 internally displaced students (41% girls) have been identified in these 104 host schools
IMPACT OF CONFLICT ON SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE
30% of assessed host schools reported being occupied by displaced population since the onset of the conflict
8% of assessed host schools reported being occupied by armed groups since the onset of the conflict
18% of host schools reported having been structurally damaged as a direct result of the conflict
11% of schools reported having been looted or pillaged as a direct result of the conflict
4% of host schools indicate unexploded ordinances and reminisce of war in and around school grounds
