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Read, Debate: Engage.
With over 1.2 billion children the world over experiencing disruption in their education because of COVID-19-induced school closures, attention has now focused on how their right to education can still be attained even as alternative forms of learning like virtual education, shines a spotlight on the yawning gap in access to tools and innovations.
While technology continues to drive modern-day operations, penetration in education remains dismal with tens of millions of children – especially in developing countries – struggling to play catch up as poor infrastructure and affordability exacerbates an already dire situation.
Ed-tech apps, online-mediated learning, mobile phones, radio and TV, among other new forms of education, have kept students busy and engaged during the course of the pandemic. But for vulnerable children, from those in refugee camps to migrants and those trapped in conflicts they have no knowledge of, being out of school mean not learning at all in what could have long term implications for them.
Yet beyond learning, schools have been safe havens, especially for vulnerable children, offering protection and hope for better days ahead.
Numerous threats now loom with children at home. Dwindling household finances and growing family needs have escalated the risks of child labour, exploitation, violence, forced marriages trafficking and neglect, especially for those with disabilities.
Even before the world was disrupted by the pandemic, children have had to bear the brunt of global calamities, including forced displacements, armed conflicts and climate change disasters that have altered their way of life.
COVID-19 is a wake up call to policymakers to pause and reflect on concrete and sustainable models that will insulate children from future crises while ensuring minimum disruptions to their well-being.
Image by Ian Ingalula
