Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA)
The GCPEA is an inter-agency created to address the attacks on education during armed conflict. The GCPEA’s method to protect education from attack consists of two main parts; the first is a series of repercussions, and the second is in response to attacks on education facilities. The first step is to assess the risk of the location before moving further with planning. This looks like gathering information on the likelihood that the desired location might be subjected to violence or military occupation. After NGOs decide on a location, they have to secure school boundaries by building walls, bricks topped with razors, and car blockades as needed. After securing school boundaries, organizations are advised to coordinate with authorities and community members to construct the school, reinforcing weak areas and including evacuation routes and safe spaces.
Additionally, the GCPEA recommends that NGOs partner with local organizations or police to guarantee transportation to and from school. To provide extra protection, they also recommend that schools change their schedules to avoid traveling during times of conflict or violence. Depending on the location, schools should employ unarmed guards and armed guards. Finally, schools should have secure locations to protect school supplies during attacks and safety kits like first-aid, fire extinguishers, and generators. This concludes the first part of their plan. NGOs should take steps and repercussions before developing and implementing their programs.
In the case of an attack, the GCPEA recommends that NGOs transfer their students and faculties to other schools, considering the cost of transportation. Students and teachers are instructed to return after schools have been deemed safe to return. Below is a case study of Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, and their response to an attack.
Links to GCPEA's complete menu of actions & website