KARACHI:
This epidemic, which has affected approximately 1.6 billion children in more than 190 countries, has led to major disruptions in education systems across the world. Countries had already faced a learning crisis last year, with 250 million school children out of school, but now researchers fear that the situation could become a generational disaster.
According to recent statistics, 70 million children could be affected in 2021 as 24 million children may never return to school in the post-pandemic world, with a disproportionate percentage of girls among them. It is expected that children in the poorest countries, and those in already disadvantaged or vulnerable situations will have to bear the brunt of it. The pandemic was responsible for 17% of children around the world falling victim to a global learning catastrophe that might stifle the new generation’s potential.
Pakistan already struggles to keep millions of students in school. Now, instructors worry that enrolment rates may fall further if partial lockdowns persist. Furthermore, educating girls has now become secondary preference with resources tightened up for most impoverished households across the country. As the income of parents decreases significantly due to economic losses, more and more children are now in workplaces rather than in schools.
It is also equally important to protect the physical and mental health of kids, instructors, and school workers. The pandemic is taking a toll on students’ mental health, since two-thirds of the world’s student population is still affected by complete or partial school closures. Something must be done.
Misbah Imtiaz
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10h, 2021.
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