Lessons in conflict

In Gaza, despite difficulty in attending classes, figures show a literacy rate of more than 92 percent in the Palestinian territories. One of the highest in the Middle East [Photo: Reem Haddad]

Education is seen as central in the pursuit of Palestinian statehood. But many of these boys will leave education early, often to take on the role of family provider [Photo: Reem Haddad]

Education has long been central to the "war of values" in Afghanistan's conflict. But more and more schools are now opening [Photo: Reem Haddad]

Teachers at this new school in Kabul complain of a chronic lack of resources. But children turn up in ever increasing numbers [Photo: Reem Haddad]

But despite the steps made, teachers and schoolchildren are still targeted and killed in Afghanistan by those opposed to broad based education [Photo: Reem Haddad]

Children in Afghanistan and Gaza face unusual and unimaginable challenges to their education. Yet they still find some time to relax and be children. [Photo: Reem Haddad]