Education during COVID-19 and beyond - the United Nations
By -Atif
November 04, 2020
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The COVID-19 pandemic has created the As fiscal pressures increase, and development largest disruption of education systems in assistance comes under strain, the financing history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners of education could also face major challenges, in more than 190 countries and all conti- exacerbating massive pre-COVID-19 education bents.
Closures of schools and other learn- funding gaps. For low income countries and low- ING spaces have impacted 94 per cent of the er-middle-income countries, for instance, that world’s student population, up to 99 per cent gap had reached a staggering $148 billion annu- in low and lower-middle income countries. ally and it could now increase by up to one-third.
On the other hand, this crisis has stimulated The crisis is exacerbating pre-existing educa- innovation within the education sector. We have tin disparities by reducing the opportunities seen innovative approaches in support of edu- for many of the most vulnerable children, youth, cation and training continuity: from radio and and adults – those living in poor or rural areas, television to take-home packages.
Distance girls, refugees, persons with disabilities and learning solutions were developed thanks to forcibly displaced persons – to continue their quick responses by governments and partners learning. Learning losses also threaten to extend all over the world supporting education conti- beyond this generation and erase decades nuity, including the Global Education Coalition of progress, not least in support of girls and covened by UNESCO.
We have also been young women’s educational access and reten- reminded of the essential role of teachers and tion. Some 23.8 million additional children and that governments and other key partners have youth (from pre-primary to tertiary) may drop an ongoing duty of care to education personnel. out or not have access to school next year due But these changes have also highlighted that the to the pandemic’s economic impact alone. promising future of learning, and the accelerated changes in modes of delivering quality educa- Similarly, the education disruption has had, tion, cannot be separated from the imperative of and will continue to have, substantial effects leaving no one behind. This is true for children beyond education.
Closures of educational and youth affected by a lack of resources or institutions hamper the provision of essen- enabling environment to access learning.
It is tial services to children and communities, true for the teaching profession and their need including access to nutritious food, affect the for better training in new methods of educa- ability of many parents to work, and increase tion delivery, as well as support. Last but not risks of violence against women and girls. least, this is true for the education community
