Refugee education is often framed in terms of access, infrastructure, and policy – but for children who grow up inside camps, meaningful learning begins long before they enter a classroom. It unfolds in everyday camp life: in caregiving roles, improvised survival strategies, and the small responsibilities that accelerate emotional maturity and practical skill. Imagination, resilience, and daily contribution form an “invisible curriculum” that shapes identity, agency, and social belonging, strengths that formal schooling in many crisis contexts can fail to acknowledge.

In this post, the first in our new series “Delivering for people in an evolving humanitarian landscape”, education specialist Sara Aleisseh draws on personal experience and years of professional work in humanitarian education to illustrate that the “invisible curriculum” carried by children in conflict settings is not a deficit to be corrected but a form of knowledge that demands recognition. She calls for education systems that listen to children’s realities, link learning content to those realities, protect their dignity, and build learning models rooted in healing, identity, and belonging.

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📝 Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events

AI in military decision-making: advancing responsible development and use

On 15 June 2026, the ICRC and the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva will convene a timely side event. The discussion will examine how AI decision-support systems can be aligned with IHL and contribute to the protection of civilians. Join the dialogue on shaping responsible military AI governance.

Global launch of the digital emblem project, phase II: from IHL protection to operational practice

On 9 July 2026, the ICRC will lead the global launch of Phase II of the Digital Emblem Project, showing how humanitarian protection under international law can extend into the digital environment. The event brings together states, industry, and technical experts to discuss real-world application and next steps. Register here to join the launch! 

Are states ready for green war? International law's practical tools for protecting our planet in armed conflict

On 25 August 2026, the ICRC will host a panel spotlighting recent advancements in international law protecting the environment in armed conflict. The event will also be an opportunity to examine recent publications on the topic, including the Implementation Guidance on International Humanitarian Law Protecting the Environment in Armed Conflict, and discuss how states can strengthen implementation and accountability.  Register here! 

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