UNICEF has published the first in a series of podcast discussions on education in emergencies and post-crisis transition countries, with the participation of leading figures from the academic, development, media and humanitarian communities. Entitled ‘Beyond School Books’, the podcast series highlights the important role of education in countries affected by conflicts or natural disasters or those in post-crisis transition.

Gene Sperling, director of the Center for Universal Education at the Council on Foreign Relations, previously served as National Economic Advisor to US President Bill Clinton, comments in the first podcast, ‚ÄúNo one ever sees a ‚ÄòFrontline‚Äô or a CNN camera showing a child dying of lack of education ‚Äì you never see that moment ‚Äì but there is no question that children die from lack of education all the time,‚Äù added Mr. Sperling.”

The UNICEF podcast series emphasizes the underlying belief that education is an integral part of emergency relief efforts. In times of conflict or natural disasters, providing children with schooling provides not just education, but also can serve as a reliable outlet for essential health and nutrition services, as well as providing a sense of predictable routine in the midst of crisis, as well as teaching essential life skills.

‘Beyond School Books’ is hosted by Amy Costello, a former correspondent for Public Radio International and an Emmy Award nominee for her coverage of Sudan. It is being taped at the United Nations Radio studios in New York and is available for downloading on the UNICEF website.

Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflicts, and Gene Sperling, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, are the guests of the first podcast. Upcoming podcasts will feature The New York Times award-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof, youth activist and best-selling author Ishmael Beah, and others.

via Contacto magazine and UNICEF