This is heartbreaking but sadly unsurprising — a 40% surge in attacks on schools is an emergency, not just a statistic. Education is a human right and a foundation for peace; when states or armed groups target classrooms they are robbing whole generations of opportunity and fueling cycles of violence and poverty. Accelerated learning and ed-tech can help, but as Dr Malik says they are stopgaps: they can’t replace stable, safe schools, nor undo trauma. We need concrete action now — independent investigations and accountability for attacks, protection of schools as safe zones, sustained funding for emergency education and psychosocial support, and meaningful inclusion of displaced children in national systems. And let’s be honest about priorities: redirecting resources from militarization toward education and social services, plus debt relief and increased international aid, would do far more to secure long-term stability than more arms. Solidarity with teachers, students and families on the front lines — rebuilding classrooms must be part of any peace and recovery plan.