The effect of armed conflict towards pupil's academic performance in primary schools in Maguindanao

Armed conflict is a serious problem facing some part of the globe. It is fundamental cause of human suffering, source of poverty, destruction of human development and economic stability. According to a UNICEF (2011) report, it was estimated that 57 million children of primary school age did not attend school in 2011. It was also reported that 13 million of those children are in the countries directly or indirectly affected by armed conflict (UNICEF, 2015). Teachers, children and education performance are always on the front line of armed conflict. The aim of this study was to determine the effect armed conflict on children's education. To reach this goal, certain criteria scuh as, displacement of families, destruction of school infrastructure, destruction of livelihood sources of families, and teachers' ability to do their daily tasks during armed conflict and how childrens' education was effected have been studied. Qualitative research methodology was used in this study. The study group was conducted with five school principals and ten teachers from five primary schools in Maguindanao region, in Philippines The research data was gathered through a nine-queestion-semi-structured interview form via voice recorder. Armed conflict was found to be affective both locally and nationally. It generally effects the living standards of people. Childrens' education is restrained due to the displacement of the families, destruction of school properties, disruption of family's livelihood resources, and limited teacher activities. Principals and teachers mentioned that armed conflict caused higher school drop outs and absenteeism, lower academic performance of pupils. Respondents also indicated that as a result of destruction of school property and class materials armed conflict caused, teachers' activities were effected eventually effecting pupils' academic performance. In conclusion, pupils' performances and teachers' activities were disrupted during armed conflict resulting in absenteeism, school drop out, depression, and lower academic performance. Good quality learning, developing good performance, and functioning of school are all affected from this kind of problem. School administrations and teachers should manage well the effects of armed conflict especially on the pupils' performances and educational development.