How to address biggest disruption to education globally

Global chief releases recommendations for getting back on track with education following COVID-19 pandemic

Education systems are facing the biggest disruption in history with nearly 1.6-billion students in more than 190 countries impacted by the COVID-19 closures and shutdowns.

“We must take bold steps now, to create inclusive, resilient, quality education systems fit the future,” says António Guterres, secretary-general for the United Nations. “We face a generational catastrophe that could waste untold human potential, undermine decades of progress, and exacerbate entrenched inequalities.”

Guterres has issued a policy brief with recommendations to support the return to school:

  • plan well for school re-openings
  • protect education financing and coordinate for impact
  • build a resilient education system for equitable and sustainable development
  • reimagine education and accelerate change in teaching and learning

Children Believe is working to protect children from abuse, exploitation and child labour, so they’re safe, free and able to return to their schools when they reopen.

To learn more about our work during COVID, visit childrenbelieve.ca/covid-19.

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 Inspiring Stories

May 2025

Canada’s Opportunity to Lead: Education as a Path ...

As the G7 Summit approaches, Children Believe CEO Fred Witteveen calls on Canada to lead the world in supporting 12 years of quality education for all children—because education is key to global peace and prosperity.

May 2025

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

A new government program in Ghana is providing free sanitary pads to help girls stay in school. Learn how Children Believe is supporting this initiative to break down barriers and fight period poverty.

May 2025

From Despair to a New Dawn Varalakshmi’s Story of ...

A moving story of resilience—learn how Varalakshmi overcame poverty, loss and stigma to build a better life for her children with the support of Children Believe and its local partner in India.