Blog – Birlikte İyileşiyoruz

Higher education is often an underappreciated pillar in the architecture of crisis recovery. While not compulsory or mandated by states, the continuity of higher education during and after crises is paramount for long-term societal resilience and recovery. Here’s why maintaining higher education is critical, supported by compelling facts and figures.

Driving Economic Stability and Growth

Higher education institutions are engines of economic stability and growth, particularly in times of crisis. According to the World Bank, countries that invest in higher education see substantial economic returns. For every additional year of tertiary education, the average income increases by approximately 10%. This boost in earning potential is crucial for rebuilding economies devastated by disasters or pandemics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries with robust online higher education systems saw less disruption in their labour markets. For instance, Estonia’s extensive digital infrastructure allowed universities to transition smoothly to online learning, mitigating the economic impact on students and their future earnings.

Enhancing Social Cohesion and Mental Health

Higher education also plays a vital role in enhancing social cohesion and mental health during crises. Universities often serve as community hubs that provide psychological support, promote social interaction, and offer stability. Institute of International Education (IIE) study found that higher education institutions were pivotal in supporting mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. They provided counselling services, online support groups, and mental health resources that were crucial for students facing isolation and anxiety.

Moreover, higher education fosters critical thinking, tolerance, and an understanding of complex social issues, essential for maintaining social cohesion in times of crisis. Educated individuals are more likely to engage in community service and civic activities, contributing to a more resilient and cohesive society.

Advancing Innovation and Research

Innovation and research are among the most significant contributions of higher education during crises. Universities are at the forefront of developing solutions to global challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions worldwide rapidly pivoted to research on vaccines, treatments, and public health strategies. For example, the University of Oxford was crucial in developing the AstraZeneca vaccine, demonstrating how higher education can directly impact global health outcomes.

In natural disasters, universities often lead in disaster risk reduction research and the development of new technologies to mitigate future risks. For instance, the National University of Singapore has been instrumental in researching climate change adaptation strategies that are vital for regions prone to natural disasters.

Long-term Societal Benefits

The long-term societal benefits of higher education cannot be overstated. Higher education is linked to lower crime rates, improved public health, and higher levels of civic engagement. According to UNESCO, each additional year of higher education reduces the risk of conflict by 20%, as educated populations are better equipped to resolve disputes peacefully and engage in democratic processes.

Additionally, higher education promotes gender equality. Women who attain higher education are more likely to participate in the labour force, achieve economic independence, and contribute to their communities. This empowerment is crucial in post-crisis recovery, where rebuilding efforts often require the full participation of all societal members.

Conclusion

Despite not being compulsory, the continuity of higher education during and after crises is essential for economic recovery, social cohesion, innovation, and long-term societal benefits. By investing in higher education, countries can ensure a more resilient future and be better equipped to handle the challenges of the 21st century. Higher education is not just an academic pursuit; it is a cornerstone of recovery and resilience, vital for the sustainable development of societies worldwide.

Bibliography

World Bank. “Economic Returns from Higher Education.” World Bank Report.
The Guardian “Transition to Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic.” The Guardian.
Institute of International Education (IIE). “Higher Education’s Response to COVID-19.” IIE Report.
National University of Singapore. “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies.” NUS Research.
UNESCO. “Conflict Reduction through Higher Education.” UNESCO Report.

According to a report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in 2020, an estimated 137 million students were affected by the temporary closures of educational institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This number includes both primary and secondary school students, as well as those in tertiary education.

However, in terms of the impact of disasters on the sustainability of education for young people, the exact number is difficult to determine as it varies depending on the type and severity of the disaster, as well as the level of education and geographic location of the affected individuals.

Disasters can have a significant impact on education by damaging school infrastructure, disrupting transportation, causing displacement, and creating economic hardship for families, among other factors. This can lead to a loss of educational opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable populations such as girls, children with disabilities, and those living in poverty.

To address these challenges, it is important to prioritize disaster risk reduction and resilience-building measures in education systems, as well as provide support for affected communities to help them recover and rebuild their lives.

In addition to the pandemic, various natural disasters such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes have continued to occur in different regions, which may have disrupted education and affected young people’s ability to continue their studies.

It is important for governments and other stakeholders to prioritize measures to ensure the continuity of education, especially for vulnerable populations, during and after disasters. This may include investing in disaster-resilient infrastructure, providing emergency education services and support, and promoting community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives. By taking these steps, it may be possible to mitigate the impact of disasters on education and support young people’s access to learning opportunities.

Online education can be a solution to some of the challenges that arise from disasters and other disruptions to education, but it may not be a complete solution for all situations. Online education can help to provide continued learning opportunities for students who are unable to attend school due to various reasons, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, or conflict.

However, online education has its own challenges, such as the lack of access to technology and internet connectivity, particularly for students from low-income families or those living in remote or rural areas. Online education may also not be suitable for all subjects, especially those that require hands-on learning or practical experience.

Therefore, online education should be seen as one of the many solutions that can be used to address the challenges that arise from disasters and other disruptions to education. In addition to online education, other solutions such as community-based learning, flexible learning schedules, and alternative education delivery methods should also be considered to ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances.

Online education can be an effective tool to support the rehabilitation and return to normalcy of disaster-affected youth populations. When traditional educational systems are disrupted due to disasters, online education can provide a means for young people to continue their studies and maintain a sense of routine and normalcy in their lives.

Online education can also provide flexibility for students who may be dealing with challenges such as displacement, lack of access to transportation, or caregiving responsibilities. Students can access online education from anywhere with an internet connection, which can help to mitigate some of the barriers that may arise from physical location or transportation constraints.

Furthermore, online education can provide a sense of community and connection for young people who may be isolated or struggling with the effects of a disaster. Online learning platforms can facilitate communication and collaboration between students and teachers, as well as peer-to-peer interaction, which can help to build social connections and support networks.

However, it is important to recognize that online education is not a panacea for all the challenges that disaster-affected youth populations may face. Online education may not be accessible to all students, particularly those who lack access to technology or reliable internet connectivity. Additionally, online education may not be suitable for all subjects or educational goals, particularly those that require hands-on learning or practical experience.

The Unseen Pillar: The Crucial Role of Higher Education in Crisis Recovery