POSTED February 8, 2022
Signs of hope in schools around the world despite pandemic
World is adapting and education continues, while working to overcome challenges
As the world continues to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are positive signs education systems are recovering and adapting through health and safety protocols. According to UNESCO data released in late January, schools are open in most countries, despite the highly contagious Omicron variant.
Yet there is still more to be done, says the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
“Education continues to be deeply disrupted by the pandemic, but all countries are now keenly aware of the dramatic costs of keeping schools closed as UNESCO said for the past two years,” says Audrey Azoulay, director-general, UNESCO. “The expansion of vaccination and lessons from the past two years, has resulted in a new model based on school health and safety protocols.”
Very few countries have opted to close schools and operate under a fully remote learning model, compared to this time last year. Interestingly, more than 50 percent of teachers stated students had not progressed to the levels expected, while most teachers agreed it was difficult to provide necessary support for vulnerable students, according to a UNESCO survey.
Children Believe’s work continues to focus on ways to address the impact of COVID-19 and help children overcome barriers to access education. We’ve supported more than one-million children, women and other community members through programming focused on providing education about keeping safe; food rations and cash vouchers; PPE; child-protection support; and help to continue education.
You can make a difference in the lives of youth by providing the tools they need to succeed in school through our Gifts for Good catalogue.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
About ChildFund Alliance:
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.