The civil wars and violent conflicts that have occured over recent decades make it difficult to distinguish between phases of war and peace. The transition from humanitarian aid to sustainable development cooperation is therefore becoming increasingly blurred. In complex emercency situations and in reconstruction for crisis prevention, the promotion of education is gaining increasing significance on an international scale. Education is a precondition for peace building and crisis prevention. But schools can also be abused to exacerbate violent conflicts. That is why the promotion of education is vital for the development cooperation.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ is developping and testing education measures in conflict and post-conflict situations. GIZ is already experienced in conflict  and post-conflict countries, for example Sri Lanka.