Close to 75 million children, in the school-going age bracket, are in desperate need of educational support.
In a report published by The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) it’s further stated that 25% of children in the age bracket of 3-18 years old live in countries affected by humanitarian crises. The number adds up to 462 million children.
The report said stated, “During crises, children are particularly at risk of missing out on their education, yet schools provide a safe space and a vital routine for children during times of major upheaval. Education gives children the building blocks to rebuild their lives and, eventually, their country.”
Conflicts in Syria, Eastern Ukraine and Somalia have negatively affected the education system. Several schools were destroyed or severely damaged in ensuing battles and airstrikes.
UNICEF added that refugees fleeing war ravaged countries are five times more likely to be out of school. Furthermore, girls are 2.5 times more likely to drop out of school than boy during periods of conflict.
UNICEF will be launching their latest project, Education Cannot Wait, at this month’s World Humanitarian Summit to be held in Istanbul, Turkey. The project is aimed at raising US$ 4 billion over five years to reach close to 14 million children in need of education in emergencies.
Malala Yousafzai, a campaigner for education and a survivor of civil conflict in Pakistan, said children in Syria are at a risk of becoming a lost generation as they miss out on schooling.