Reimagining Systems: From Local Innovation to Structural Change

Group Submission Type: Paper Session

Description of Session

This panel examines how education can catalyze systemic change in conflict-affected and post-conflict contexts. Drawing on studies from Afghanistan, South Sudan, and West Africa, the papers explore teacher-led innovations, integrated approaches linking education, livelihoods, and peacebuilding, and the re-examination of basic education pathways to support social cohesion. Together, the contributions highlight the potential of local initiatives to inform structural reforms, demonstrating how educators, communities, and policymakers can collaboratively transform education systems to address inequality, conflict, and developmental challenges.

Sub Unit

• Education in Conflict and Emergencies SIG

Chair

• James Natia Adam, Associates for Change

Individual Presentations

• Integrated Approaches to Education, Livelihoods, and Peacebuilding in South Sudan: Joint Programming for Sustainable Outcomes in Emergencies - Amritpal K Sandhu, ...

• Re examining Basic Education Pathways and Peace Building in West Africa: Scaling Gender Responsive Innovations in Conflict Affected Contexts - James Natia Adam, Associates for Change; :Leslie Casely-Hayford, Associates for Change

• War Trauma, Healing Practices, and Resilience: Examining Adverse Childhood Experiences and Support Systems Among Afghan Refugees in North America - Mohammad Ajmal Khuram, Independent Researcher; Nangyalai Attal, UMass Amherst; Ian Barron, The University of Massachusetts Amherst