Bouncing back and beyond: Understanding and building the resilience of education systems in South and Southeast Asia

Disruptions to education systems have been increasing in both frequency and intensity in South and Southeast Asia, including from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from natural disasters, political conflicts and social divisions. Despite efforts to keep education consistent in the face of disruptions, student learning outcomes are becoming critically affected. In this context, the idea of education system resilience is emerging as a key concept. However, research is needed to consolidate knowledge and practices required for building education systems that can anticipate and take on potential disruptions while constantly adapting and improving.

The goal of this project is to produce insights and recommendations that expand the scope of resilience knowledge, encourage knowledge-sharing and foster innovation for education system resilience domestically in each country and regionally. It will use surveys, in-depth interviews, quantitative modelling and foresight to analyze current issues for education system resilience, trends and practices among various education stakeholders, including policymakers, education providers, grassroots workers, civil society and community-level organizations. It will integrate gender equality and inclusion principles both in its content and process to ensure that it reflects diverse perspectives and the outputs can be mobilized regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or socio-economic status. Additionally, the project will develop policy briefs and manuals for knowledge sharing and capacity building in consultation with policymakers and implementers through regional and international workshops.

This project is a part of the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange Observatory on Education System Resilience initiative and will focus on education system resilience across 14 low- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia.