UNICEF is stepping up support for children’s education in 145 countries, in response to COVID-19 crisis

As school closures nationwide disrupt the education of over 80% of students worldwide, UNICEF announced today that it will substantially increase support for all countries to help children continue to learn while maintaining school safety.

“In most countries around the world, schools have closed. It is an unprecedented situation and, if we do not act together now to protect the education of children, societies and economies will feel the consequences of this situation long after we have defeated COVID-19. In the most vulnerable communities, the impact will affect generations in a row, ”said Robert Jenkins, Global Coordinator of Education Programs at UNICEF.

“According to lessons learned after school closures in response to the Ebola epidemic, the more children away from school, the lower the chances of them returning to school. Providing children with study alternatives and thus restoring a routine are critical elements of our response, ”said Jenkins.

To curb the disruption of children’s education and provide them with the opportunity to continue learning safely, UNICEF has allocated additional funds to accelerate efforts with governments and partners in over 145 low- and middle-income countries. The initial global allocation of $ 13 million – of which nearly $ 9 million is the contribution of the Global Partnership for Education – will have a catalytic effect by supporting national governments and a multitude of education partners in each country, in order to develop plans to ensure a rapid response throughout the system.

The initiative will allow countries to prepare alternative learning programs for school closures and will help schools maintain the safety of children and their communities by providing vital information about handwashing and other hygiene rules. The funds will also help support children’s mental health, as well as prevent stigma and discrimination by encouraging students to avoid stereotypes in discussions about viruses.