In this article from The Independent, photojournalist Paddy Dowling examines how UNESCO and its partners are racing to support the most marginalized children in school in a post-Covid world.
At the height of the Covid-19 crisis 1.6 billion children from around the world were sent home and the school gates were closed. But this figure excludes the 258 million children who were already out of school with no access to education – 59 million at primary level, according to Unesco’s Institute for Statistics.
The effects of school closure on child safety, wellbeing and learning are well documented. This also has long-term consequences for economies and societies resulting in a perpetual cycle of multi-dimensional poverty. A survey conducted by Unesco in 2017 discovered that 56 per cent (617 million) of children in classrooms around the world are not achieving minimum proficiency levels.
A global education coalition launched by Unesco seeks to facilitate inclusive learning opportunities for children and youth during this period of sudden and unprecedented educational disruption.
Some amazing photos included in this article. Well worth taking the time to visit.
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