Education Elusive for Children From War-Ravaged Nations

By Julie Blair

More than 27 million school-age children living in war-torn nations don't receive educational opportunities, and those that do attend school often contend with overcrowded classrooms that are targets of violence, concludes a report released last week.

A global survey of education initiatives in 113 countries, conducted by the Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children, found the money to provide such options for the world's youngest, most vulnerable citizens is insufficient.

And because more than 90 percent of displaced students live in temporary shelter in their native lands, the international community will not or cannot help them. The internal conflict is so complex and dangerous, many do not try. Those that do try often find it nearly impossible to reach the...