A great school for every child in conflict.
Justice Rising delivers quality schooling in places where instability is part of daily life—building education systems that thrive even in the middle of war.
The Problem
Children in conflict learn 9× slower
Worst Outcomes
Children in conflict zones fall far behind because their schools can’t support safe, consistent learning.
Learning Stalls
During conflict, students learn up to six times slower as stability, routine, and teaching quality collapse.
Falling Below Basics
Most students in protracted crises cannot meet basic reading or math standards due to disrupted schooling.
Growing Fragility
By 2030, the majority of the world’s poor will live in fragile states—deepening the education crisis.
A Teacher’s Vision for Peace
A glimpse into the courage, hope, and leadership inside classrooms shaped by conflict.
Peace Begins in the Classroom
For children living through conflict, school is often the first place they feel safe again. And when children thrive, families and communities begin to heal. This is how education becomes a force for peace.
School Restores Stability
Even in conflict, school brings normalcy to a child’s life.
Protects Against Exploitation
Kids in school are far less likely to become child soldiers or child brides.
Opens Economic Doors
Education improves access to future employment.
Strengthens Democracy
People with primary education are 1.5× more likely to participate in democratic processes.
Reduces Conflict Risk
Doubling secondary enrollment can cut conflict risk in half.
Builds Lasting Peace
Education is a foundation for peace-building and conflict prevention.
Our solution
How We Strengthen Schools in Conflict Zones
Justice Rising works with private and public school networks to improve learning in conflict zones, using a teacher-designed, evidence-based framework built specifically for instability.
SMoLL Steps
The Framework Behind Every School We Strengthen
Safe
Schools become stable, protective environments where children can learn.
Motivated
Students, teachers, and families stay engaged even in crisis.
Learning
Students build foundational skills that unlock critical thinking and opportunity.
Legitimate
Schools meet national standards so students can earn recognized qualifications.
Sustainable
Leaders receive tools and support to run schools effectively with limited resources.
Over 79% of public schools in our pilot fully adopted SMoLL Steps tools within one year — even during active conflict.
Our impact
What our work makes possible
27,000
Students Reached
Across our private school network and government partnerships.
79%
Adoption of SMoLL Steps Tools
Public schools in our pilot fully adopted our resources within one year — even during active conflict.
550+
Teachers Trained & Supported
Children in conflict zones fall far behind because their schools can’t support safe, consistent learning.
1:1
Gender Parity
We’re committed to girls’ education across every school we serve.
95–100%
Exam Pass Rates
Students in our network consistently achieve near-perfect national exam results, even during conflict.
97%
of Students Feel Safe at School
Because school becomes a stabilizing force when everything else is uncertain.
Even under rebel occupation, our schools didn’t collapse — they improved. Teachers felt supported, students stayed engaged, and classrooms became places of resilience.
Jane D.
Justice Rising Partner Teacher
Our Stories
Inside the Classroom
Meet the students and teachers who are rewriting their futures in the middle of conflict.
Explore more moments that show what learning looks like in the middle of conflict.