Editorial

Abstract

While the world is watching the loss of countless lives, schools being destroyed and families being displaced in Gaza, Palestine, educators who care about human lives and are eager to make a difference are struggling to find a way. Education, as one of the pillars of postconflict reconstruction, must be prioritized in the rebuilding of what will remain of Gaza. In post conflict, education means addressing the academic aspects as well as the psychosocial and socio-emotional learning needs of students of all ages and grades. Educators need to reach children in displaced spaces and provide a sense of normalcy and safety where and when possible, and, if at all possible, in communities that have suffered irreparable harm. Educators must play a role in Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine, and other conflict areas not only because of their critical roles but also because it is possible. Away from politicians and political calculations around the globe, education is in our hands, whether we see ourselves as members of Muslim societies or global citizens. The more our world descends into crisis and chaos, the greater the burden of responsibility on educators, academics, scholars, and researchers. They have to play a meaningful role to rebuild and invest in the next generation and offer new approaches that speak to the 21st century’s concerns. It is the duty of educators to investigate the best ways to infuse more value-oriented approaches to education and the duty of scholars to generate new knowledge that is based on accurate and quality research methods that are applicable and actionable. It is thus JEMS’ duty to deliver this message of change for a better world and better lives for our children and their families. It is our duty to select the best research submitted to us and rely on the academic processes of blind peer reviews to do that. If you are reading this, it is also your duty to contribute field based, theoretical, and review essays and other writings that motivate people to keep going despite the dire realities around us.