Education has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with 1.52 billion learners out of school and 165 country-wide school closures, impacting 87.1% of the world’s total enrolled learners.
The ‘pile-on effect’ of the coronavirus is that, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, interruptions to education can have long term implications -- especially for the most vulnerable. There is a real risk of regression for children whose basic, foundational learning (reading, math, languages, etc.) was not strong to begin with. And millions of children who have already been deprived of their right to education, particularly girls, are being more exposed to health and well-being risks (both psychosocial and physical) during COVID-19.
Without access to education, as shocks are experienced – including loss of life, health impacts and loss of livelihoods - children are more vulnerable and unprotected. As household finances are being strained and needs increase, out-of-school children are more likely to be exposed to risks like family violence, child labor, forced marriage, trafficking and exploitation, including by responders. For the most vulnerable children, education is lifesaving. Not only does it provide safety and protection, importantly, it also instills hope for a brighter future.