This final section highlights several recommendations to keep schools safe and secure, considering the policies proposed by the three organizations. Reflecting on what works for these organizations, it’s clear that in addition to physically protecting school buildings, NGOs also need to engage local organizations, community leaders, parents, and students so that everyone is clear on the objectives and steps. Another through tread is that NGOs are advised to engage students in the household. In conflict-affected communities, engaging students at home can also aid in protecting them outside school boundaries. Similarly, take-home COIVID prevention activities can keep students and parents protected at all times to keep the classroom environment safe. The following section will provide recommendations on keeping education in emergencies functional and safe. 

In conflict-affected areas: 

• NGOs should always do a thorough risk assessment of their desired location, considering the proximity to violence and aid and the history of surrounding locations.
• Depending on the violence intensity, organizations should build borders around the location and hire armed guards. 
• Schools should be built to withstand possible attacks and have clear exit routes. 
  • Weak points should be reinforced. 
• Schools should be easily accessible safety kits like first aid and fire extinguishers.
• NGOs should partner with local communities and law enforcement to guarantee safe transportation to and from school.
• There should be frequent safety drills. 
• Schools should inform parents, teachers, community members, and local organizations about protocols in case of any emergencies.
• In the case of an attack...
  • Students should be evacuated to nearby schools or facilities (if they’re close enough). Otherwise, NGOs should create temporary shelters and learning spaces to house students, families, teachers, and volunteers. 
  • Students should not return to attacked schools buildings without extensive evaluation and coordination with law enforcement. Security should be increased as needed. 

Amidst COVID-19:

• Students should be given the option to stay home. 
• Class lesions should be available via radio and other technological devices. 
• Schools should be updated with adequate handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing equipment.
• Teachers should be trained in managing and caring for the mental health of infected students. 
• Parents and surrounding community members should be constantly fed COVID-related data, news, and advice.
• Schools should have action steps and guidelines if any teacher or student becomes infected. 
• Parents should be informed about how to take care of their kids 
• In the case of rising COVID cases, schools should shut down and transfer to remote learning to keep the student population safe
  • They should transition back to in-person classes only when cases have dropped below an acceptable threshold. 

It’s important to note that NGOs have limited resources, so they must disperse them strategically. While they prioritize security and safety, NGOs cannot afford to pour the majority of their resources into making them full proof. This limits the type of security and accommodation they can extend to their students, teachers, and communities. The goal of this study was not to scrutinize current plans or organizations but rather to explore different approaches to get a sense of what secure schools can look like with the proper resources. We must strive to improve, especially as global conflicts become increasingly violent and complicated.