News

About 300 Million Students Worldwide Out Of School Due To COVID-19: UNESCO

PARIS, March 6 (Bernama) — The spread of the novel coronavirus over the globe forced almost 300 million students to stay at home, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said on Thursday while recommending the use of distance learning programmes to limit the disruption of education.

Xinhua news agency reported the Paris-based UN agency as saying that it’s “a figure without precedent,” noting that 13 countries have shut schools nationwide, impacting almost 300 million children and youth who would normally attend pre-primary to upper-secondary classes.

A further nine countries have implemented localised school closures to prevent or contain the spread of COVID-19. Should these countries also order nationwide school closures, it would prevent an additional 180 million children and youth from attending school, it added.

“While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new, unfortunately the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education,” said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

“We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures,” she added.

Warning about the impact of school closures on learning achievement and educational performance, UNESCO pledged to provide immediate support to countries, including solutions for inclusive distance learning.

The UN organisation will convene an emergency meeting of education ministers on March 10 to share responses and strategies to maintain the continuity of learning and assure inclusion and equity.

–BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

SEACare 2025 Solidifies Malaysia’s Leadership in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare Landscape

Malaysia’s commitment to transforming its healthcare system takes centre stage this week as SEACare 2025,… Read More

22 hours ago

Drop: A First Date That Turns Into a Psychological Minefield

What happens when trust, trauma, and tequila meet at the same table?  That’s the unnerving… Read More

23 hours ago

SME Bank Collaborates with Autism Cafe Project to Empower Autistic Entrepreneurs

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) has partnered with The Autism Cafe… Read More

23 hours ago

Pahlawan Malaysia 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Obstacle Sports Competition Set to Energize the Nation at the Curve, Mutiara Damansara

The Malaysia Obstacle Race Sports Association is proud to announce Pahlawan Malaysia 2025, the premier… Read More

23 hours ago

Tesla Malaysia is Celebrating the ‘Earth Week’ to Rewards Owners in Conjunction with a ‘Refer and Win’ Campaign

Embracing the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla Malaysia launches the… Read More

23 hours ago

Malaysia’s Viper Niza Racing On The Winners’ Podium At The 12 Hours Of Spa Francorchamps

Malaysians Douglas Khoo, Dominic Ang and Melvin Moh raced to a podium finish at last… Read More

24 hours ago

This website uses cookies.