Assistance often involves ensuring the child's access to such basics as food, water, shelter, health care and education. Education is an essential aspect of the assistance programmes. It helps meet the psychological needs of displaced and often traumatised refugee children.
Education is also a protection tool.
It can help prevent conflict and provide a positive alternative to joining armed groups. Mass exodus often results in high numbers of unaccompanied and separated children. Most are not orphans, but have been separated from their families during flight or because of conflict. Often, with effort, their families can be found. Conclusion on Refugee Children and Adolescents, 1997.