Teacher Shortages and Quality of Teaching in Refugee Camps
How Kakuma and similar camps highlight the urgent need for trained educators, and what we can do about it
The Extent of the Teacher Shortage in Refugee Camps
Across refugee camps around the world, a deepening crisis continues to affect the most vulnerable: the shortage of trained teachers. For millions of displaced children, access to consistent, quality education is limited by a lack of qualified educators. The result is more than just educational disruption—it’s a long-term setback in opportunities, development, and dignity.
Case Study – Kakuma Refugee Camp
Located in northwestern Kenya, Kakuma Refugee Camp is home to over 200,000 people. Among them are thousands of school-aged children, eager to learn. Yet schools in Kakuma often operate with class sizes well over 100 students per teacher. Many instructors are dedicated volunteers, but without formal training, they struggle to implement structured learning. This environment makes it incredibly difficult to deliver the kind of education every child deserves.
The Impact on Learning Outcomes
When trained educators are absent, learning outcomes suffer. Refugee learners frequently fall behind national standards in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. The inconsistency of instruction, lack of personal feedback, and limited subject expertise all contribute to a widening education gap—one that often results in students dropping out altogether.
Root Causes of the Teacher Shortage
Limited Funding & Resource Allocation
Education is often underfunded in humanitarian response plans. According to global reports, only about 2% of emergency aid goes toward education, despite its role in safeguarding future generations. Camps rely on short-term, project-based funding, which rarely supports sustained teacher recruitment, training, or salaries.
Teacher Burnout & High Turnover
In the few cases where teachers are present, they often face burnout. Large class sizes, minimal pay, and a lack of resources take a toll. This high-pressure environment leads to frequent turnover. As discussed in this report on humanitarian education, this cycle undermines even the most well-intentioned education efforts.
Scalable Solutions to Improve Teaching Quality
Online Subject-Matter Experts & Remote Teaching
Remote teaching and digital education tools offer a viable solution. By bringing in subject-matter experts through online platforms, learners in camps gain access to specialized instruction regardless of geography. This approach ensures that students can benefit from qualified educators, even if they’re not physically present in the classroom.
Training & Incentivizing Local Mentors
The Brave Future mentorship model focuses on developing the talent that already exists within refugee communities. By training local individuals to become mentors and facilitators, the program promotes continuity and cultural relevance. These mentors receive ongoing digital support and act as trusted, accessible educators in their communities.
Hybrid Learning Models for Teacher Support
Hybrid education models, combining in-person facilitation with asynchronous learning tools, are increasingly effective in low-resource settings. With printed materials, mobile apps, and even radio broadcasts, teachers can be supported in delivering content consistently and creatively—even in the absence of internet connectivity.
Case Studies & Success Stories
- In Cameroon, the World Bank’s teacher development initiatives are leveraging digital training and local support to scale educator capacity in fragile contexts.
- The Brave Future mentorship program has equipped mentors with tools, confidence, and ongoing coaching, significantly improving student engagement and retention in camps like Kakuma.
Policy Recommendations & Future Outlook
To meaningfully address this challenge, stakeholders must:
- Increase dedicated education funding in refugee and emergency contexts.
- Invest in digital infrastructure to enable scalable and hybrid learning models.
- Certify and professionalize local mentors to build long-term capacity.
- Foster partnerships across nonprofits, edtech providers, and governments to sustain efforts.
With coordinated action, innovation, and inclusive strategies, we can transform refugee education systems—not just to function, but to thrive.
Support the Cause
Every child, no matter where they are, deserves a qualified teacher and the chance to learn with dignity and hope.
You can make a difference by supporting scalable education initiatives in refugee camps.
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