AI is transforming education in ways that were once beyond our imagination. From tailoring lessons to individual needs to bridging language barriers, it holds immense potential for what’s possible in classrooms, refugee camps, and remote communities. 

Today, on International Day of Education, we’re exploring how AI technology can unlock learners’ potential without diminishing the humanity at the core of education. 

Education has always been more than the transfer of knowledge. It is about connection, culture, and fostering critical thinking. In humanitarian contexts, where the stakes are often higher than in stable environments, education can become a lifeline. Displaced children, marginalized communities, and those affected by crises depend on education not just for knowledge, but for hope and stability.

In the settings where we work, such as the active conflict zones in Gaza, where children face significant barriers to essential services, or Maban, where over 100,000 refugees are striving to rebuild their lives, education is much more than a classroom activity. It is a vital tool for rebuilding communities and fostering resilience in the most challenging circumstances.

Here, the question is not just how AI can enhance learning; it is how it can do so while respecting the dignity, diversity, and agency of the communities it aims to serve. 

AI’s Role in Expanding Access to Education 

No child should have to miss out on learning. AI can make education more accessible in some of the world’s most fragile settings. For children displaced by conflict, for instance, traditional classroom structures might not exist. AI-powered tools can deliver tailored educational content, bridging gaps caused by disrupted schooling. 

Language barriers, often a hurdle for displaced communities, can also be overcome with AI. Translation tools powered by machine learning are making it possible to transform educational materials into low-resource languages. This is particularly impactful in contexts like refugee camps, where children from diverse linguistic backgrounds come together. 

AI’s predictive capabilities are another asset. In humanitarian settings, where needs are vast and resources are stretched thin, AI can analyze data to predict educational priorities during crises. For instance, it can identify areas where students are most at risk of dropping out or flag regions where additional resources are urgently needed, enabling quicker and more targeted interventions. 

Navigating the Challenges of AI in Education 

Yet, the integration of AI into education is not without challenges. One critical concern is the risk of sidelining teachers. While AI can support educators, it cannot replace the mentorship, empathy, and cultural understanding that human teachers bring to the classroom. Teachers do more than convey information; they inspire, nurture, and connect—roles that no algorithm can replicate. 

Another challenge lies in ensuring equity and inclusivity. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on. If the training data are incomplete or reflect societal inequalities, the tools risk perpetuating them, further marginalizing learners. Similarly, issues of data privacy and security take on heightened importance in fragile settings, where breaches could have severe consequences. 

AI also struggles to adapt to the nuanced cultural and social contexts of learning. Education is deeply rooted in local traditions and values, and one-size-fits-all solutions rarely succeed. 

AI for Holistic Development  

It’s also impossible to ignore the deep connections between education and health. A child’s ability to learn is closely tied to their physical and mental well-being. In humanitarian settings, this link becomes even more critical. Malnutrition, illness, and stress can limit a student’s ability to engage in their studies, while a lack of education can perpetuate cycles of poor health and limited opportunities. 

AI has incredible potential to address these challenges holistically. At Relief International, we are using AI-powered technology through our partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to digitize handwritten health records in South Sudan. This groundbreaking work enables faster, data-driven healthcare decisions to save lives and improve long-term health. 

Because when health improves, so does learning. AI has the power to amplify this synergy by delivering targeted educational content that incorporates health awareness, equipping students and their communities with knowledge that promotes both learning and well-being. By harnessing AI across all humanitarian intersections, we can build healthier communities for generations to come. 

Relief International’s commitment 

Through our work across 16 countries, we have seen firsthand how critical resources can transform lives. It has the power to rebuild fractured communities, restore a sense of normalcy, and create opportunities for a better future.

We are committed to leveraging AI to expand access to essential services in underserved communities, always guided by the principles of equity, dignity, and cultural relevance.