© UNICEF/J. Benekere School in the province of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Conflicts and crises prevent 258 million school-age children from learning Culture and education
Millions of children remain without access to education due to conflict and humanitarian crises, with nearly 80 percent of them living in just 20 countries worldwide, according to new data.
According to a new report from the UN fund for education in crises, Education Cannot Wait, the consequences of crises are affecting the education of 258 million school-age children and adolescents around the world. Ninety-three million of them are completely excluded from attending school. Yet nearly 80 percent of all children out of school due to conflict and humanitarian crises live in just 20 countries where the situation is most dire. emphasize that this is not just about a lack of access to education. In many regions affected by the crisis, children are not acquiring basic reading, writing and numeracy skills, and knowledge gaps are widening. As a result, difficulties with mastering the school curriculum in the lower grades often lead to teenagers stopping their studies altogether. For example, learning losses are most severe in conflict-affected countries, with only 30 percent of children reaching proficient reading levels by sixth grade. Moreover, in countries experiencing a socio-economic crisis, this figure reaches 47 percent, and in countries affected by natural disasters – 63 percent.
Inequality in education
The authors of the report note that the educational crisis is becoming more widespread, while its consequences are not felt equally everywhere. Exclusion of children from the education system largely depends on where they live and whether they are internally displaced, children with disabilities or other vulnerable groups. However, experts note that expanding access to education is not enough. It is necessary to create conditions that will allow children not only to attend school, but also to successfully master the curriculum, continue their education and move on to the next stages in the education system.
Hope for the future
Since its inception, the Foundation Education Cannot Wait and its partners have provided access to quality education, protection and comprehensive support to more than millions of children and young people living in crisis. In addition, the Trust aims to reach an additional 10 million children in difficult situations through its 2027-2030 Strategic Plan. Achieving this goal will require maintaining political support and attracting $600 million in funding over the next four years.
The report’s authors note that behind these numbers lie the fate of millions of children for whom education remains a chance for a better future.