In Eastern and Southern Africa, above 127 million pre-primary, primary, and students in African schools students – who are supposed to go back to school in the running week – remain at house, because of the outbreak of coronavirus. In response, UNICEF has declared advanced support to the present unprecedented education crisis, while advocating for the safe re-opening of educational institutes that adhere to safety guidance.
In most parts of the earth, Online tools supported the home learning. Nevertheless, internet penetration is constrained in Eastern and Southern Africa – hardly one in five (22%) of houses have access to the internet, while 84% of the rural population – where the majority of the learners reside – have no electricity. Therefore, UNICEF has been working continuously with partners to support continued learning through means such as radio, SMS and printed materials.
Elizabeth Achieng goes through her revision book at the end of the Social Studies lesson on EDU TV * PHOTO CREDIT- UNICEF
UNICEF has already, through partners, supported 21 governments with above $5.4 million for remote learning and preparedness for re-opening of educational institutes – with additional investments in the pipeline.
“COVID-19 has triggered an education crisis that is unprecedented in scope, duration and impact,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern & Southern Africa, Mohamed M. Malick Fall. “Governments, business and parents must come together to ensure inclusive, realistic and scalable ways that reach all children. This has started, but every day that passes is another where children – and their communities – are robbed of a fundamental right.”
